The election took place during the sessions of the 43rd session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), held in the historic Uzbek city of Samarkand. Along with Cuba’s Maria Victoria Villavicencio, Uruguay’s Jose Maria Passarini and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Janeil Henry-Rose were also admitted.

The three new members, who will serve on the Institute’s governing body from 2025 to 2029, join the team of specialists from Brazil, Grenada, and Venezuela, forming a regionally balanced Council committed to academic cooperation and educational excellence.

Cuba renews, with this election, its presence on the Governing Council of IESALC, an organization previously represented by Dr. Miriam Alpizar, who served as Vice President, a testament to the country’s sustained commitment to Higher Education, regional integration, and international cooperation.

IESALC, the only UNESCO Category I organization with a mandate in the field of higher education, aims to promote its development in Latin America and the Caribbean, fostering inclusive, accessible, and quality education aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Cuba maintains a recognized leadership stance in the field of regional higher education. It was one of the first countries to ratify the Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education, and is also a part of the Regional Convention for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Cuba’s election to join the IESALC Governing Council is a recognition of its work and commitment to strengthening Higher Education, South-South cooperation, and sustainable development in the region.

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