Institutions Need to be Creative and Find Sustainable Solutions: Regional Meeting for Mexico, Central America, & the Caribbean
The IAUP held its regional meeting for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean within the context of the Innova Forum, hosted by the University of Guadalajara. The gathering, held on September 4, 2024, brought together leading academic figures to discuss the future of higher education in the face of rapid technological advancements. Dr. Carlos Iván Moreno, Vice President for Online Education and Digital Learning, and Dr. Fernando León García, President of the IAUP and CETYS University, led the discussions, emphasizing the importance of innovation and the role of universities in fostering societal progress.
During the meeting, the Presidents from various academic institutions addressed key topics such as the need to reflect on the future of higher education, technological transformation, student success and the role of artificial intelligence in higher education. Participants emphasized the importance of universities adapting to rapid changes in knowledge and technology, focusing on how institutions must respond to societal demands while considering inclusion.
“Problems are part of the human condition. It is important to respond with concrete actions in support of students”, said Dr. Carlos Iván Moreno. Dr. Victoria Galán–Muros, Chief Research and Analysis for UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education, echoed this, further noting that the responsibility of universities is both towards their students and their staff, as all individuals may require support at some point.
The need to create spaces for debate on these issues and to share perspectives for innovating educational models was also highlighted, specifically the role of artificial intelligence and its impact on both faculty and students, which presents new challenges and opportunities. “Before artificial intelligence, collective intelligence is expected to prevail, just like it did during the pandemic”, expressed Dr. Claudia Felix, Vice President of Tecnológico de Monterrey Centro Occidente.
In this sense, Dr. Arturo Cherbowski Lask, Director of Santander Universidades, reflected that now is the time for individuals and institutions to reevaluate their actions and approach, as AI increasingly manifests the state of our collective conscience.
The discussion also delved into the importance of creating a dynamic, responsive educational environment where institutions are agile enough to handle external changes. Several participants underscored the need for universities to engage in continuous reflection, not just periodically, but on a daily basis, to stay at the forefront of academic and technological developments.
Attendees covered the social responsibilities of educational institutions, acknowledging that universities should contribute to improving the quality of life by fostering knowledge that has a practical, positive impact. Fr. Francisco Ramírez, President of UNIVA, noted that universities today have a strong ethical commitment towards society.
Finally, Dr. Leon Garcia stressed that it is important to remember that students are a university’s core purpose, and that the support and dedication of faculty is also essential, just as it was during the pandemic. He reiterated the need for institutions to be creative and find different, sustainable solutions.
