The UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC) is set to release a report titled “Reaching for the Right to Higher Education: Evidence from 15 Countries,” which focuses on the critical need to address disparities in access to, and success within, higher education systems.
Report Launch Details
The report’s formal launch is scheduled for December 10, 2024, during an event organized by the World Access to Higher Education Network (WAHEN). It will explore systemic barriers that marginalized groups face, including Indigenous populations, individuals with disabilities, and those from low-income backgrounds. Despite a significant increase in global enrollment figures over the past twenty years, these groups continue to encounter substantial obstacles in achieving educational success.
About WAHEN
WAHEN, initiated by the National Education Opportunities Network (NEON) in the UK, aims to combat inequalities in higher education on an international scale. The network promotes collective action to enhance educational equity through initiatives focused on capacity building, collaboration with policymakers, and continuous research efforts.
Framework and Insights
Utilizing a social justice framework, the report incorporates case studies from fifteen countries and presents insights into policies that can enhance educational equity. It advocates for a cooperative approach among various stakeholders to redefine higher education as a fundamental right and as a means of advancing social justice and overall community well-being.
Event Participation
The launch event, which will be held in both physical and virtual formats, is open to all interested participants and highlights the importance of global collaboration in addressing educational inequities. Registration for the event is accessible through its official page.
Source: UNESCO IESALC