The COVID-19 pandemic marked a significant inflection point for higher education systems in Latin America and the Caribbean. The rapid pivot to online education has underscored disparities in areas such as digital access, educational infrastructure, and digital skills among higher education institutions in the region. As such, UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNESCO IESALC), in partnership with the International Centre for Higher Education Innovation under the auspices of UNESCO (UNESCO-ICHEI), conducted an in-depth investigation into these disparities, resulting in the comprehensive report titled Transforming the Digital Landscape of Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Officially launched during the 3rd World Higher Education Conference (WHEC2022) in May 2022, the research project is dedicated to unlocking the potential for innovation in the digital transformation of higher education in Latin America and the Caribbean, and providing practical guidance and policy recommendations for local higher education policymakers.

Click on the image to read the report

Through survey and interviews with students in Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Venezuela, as well as with senior government officials responsible for higher education and representatives of national university associations, this report summarises the major challenges facing higher education in Latin America and the Caribbean, including variable Internet access, poor infrastructure, limited digital skills among teachers and students. It also highlights stakeholders' actions sparked by these challenges, such as governments' investment in technology infrastructure and digital learning tools, and universities' new hybrid and online programs.

Through the launch of this report, UNESCO IESALC and UNESCO-ICHEI seek to provide recommendations into policies and practices for key stakeholders, encourage broader dialogue and collaboration, promote the digital transformation of higher education in the region, and advocate for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Education 2030).

The soft launch of the report is scheduled on December 4th, 2024. Representatives from UNESCO IESALC and UNESCO-ICHEI will present an overview and the highlights of the report, followed by a Q A session. We look forward to your participation!

Time: December 4th, 2024, 10:00 - 11:00 (Beijing time)

Platform: Zoom

Language: Spanish and English

Register: https://unescoorg.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NqqN8ePSRnqLhlNwejIVvw#/registration

International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNESCO IESALC)

International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNESCO IESALC), established in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1997, is a Category I Institute under UNESCO. UNESCO IESALC aims to assist countries in tackling challenges related to higher education. Its mission is to promote the right to higher education through developing capacities for the formulation and implementation of quality, equitable, and inclusive higher education policies at regional, national and institutional levels among member states in the region.

Please scan the QR code to access the report, available in three languages.