The conference assumes the responsibility of overseeing the application of the Convention by endorsing recommendations, declarations, models of good practices, and other relevant subsidiary texts at the global or interregional level.
The conference assumes the responsibility of overseeing the application of the Convention by endorsing recommendations, declarations, models of good practices, and other relevant subsidiary texts at the global or interregional level.
The inaugural session of the “Intergovernmental Conference of the States Parties to the Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education” is scheduled to take place on July 4 and 5 at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France.
This conference signifies a significant milestone in the implementation of the Global Convention, aiming to advance the recognition of higher education qualifications globally.
The Global Convention was adopted during the 40th Session of the UNESCO General Conference in November 2019 and officially came into force in March 2023. It holds the distinction of being the first United Nations treaty focused on higher education with worldwide applicability.
This pioneering agreement establishes a comprehensive framework that ensures fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory recognition of higher education qualifications for students studying abroad or outside their home region.
According to Article XV.5 of the Global Convention, the Intergovernmental Conference of the States Parties is required to convene in regular sessions at least once every two years to promote the effective implementation of the Convention.
The conference assumes the responsibility of overseeing the application of the Convention by endorsing recommendations, declarations, models of good practices, and other relevant subsidiary texts at the global or interregional level.
The first session of the Intergovernmental Conference will assemble representatives from the 21 States Parties to the Convention. Additionally, Member States and the heads of regional recognition conventions have been invited to participate as observers, contributing to a broader and more inclusive dialogue.
Key items on the conference agenda include the selection of a Bureau for the inaugural session until the second session, the adoption of the Rules of Procedure, and the formulation of the work program for the years 2023-25. As of June 14, the Conference has already received more than 150 registrations, encompassing representatives from all states parties and other member states.
By engaging in collaborative efforts during the conference, states parties will strive to enhance mobility in higher education across borders, ultimately fostering fair and equal opportunities for individuals pursuing higher education on a global scale.
