The conditions created as a result of the increased disadvantages that Latin America and the Caribbean face with respect to developed countries have a number of possible causes- one of which is the unrestrained production of scientific knowledge that stems from a lack of research work. Paradoxically, universities, institutions of higher education, and research and extension are the most important sources of knowledge generation and knowledge production for world development, not only in material terms, but also in other areas that are indispensable to the progress of our civilization, namely democratic culture, global citizenship, the protection of human rights, respect, environmental concern, tolerance and peace. In short, it refers to issues that are pertinent to sustainable development.

Furthermore, it is important to mention that today’s world is comprised of political and economic blocks that are made up of national states that have continued to integrate not only their productive services such as goods and services, but also educational services. As a result, they have obtained a greater competitive advantage in all the different skills areas of the global market. Latin America and the Caribbean, for instance, fall short in many fields. Moreover, as a continent it has practically been excluded from the fierce competition that is so typical of the modern world.

We cannot afford to be blithe about the stark reality that exists at universities, higher education institutions, national/regional organizations and higher education networks.  Moreover, this situation  illustrates an increase in the social and economic inequality of countries within our hemisphere. Also, it severely affects the economic situation of developed countries, i.e., in the production rate of goods and services. Indeed, the production rate has never been as high as it is now. For this reason, it is essential to acknowledge  the lack of growth in advanced technology, information technology, and also the shortfalls in the knowledge economy. These are, indeed,  some of the greatest challenges that need to be overcome. Moreover, it is important not to lose ground  globally, especially when  looking at it from the perspective of other countries in Asia and Europe.
We must address therefore address this immense challenge concertedly and methodologically. In other words, we should not deal with issues on their own -as we have done in the past. Many people may argue that we are not prepared for this type of challenge. However, with regard to the current shortfalls and our passive attitude in the globalization process, i.e. in promoting a paradigm shift in key decision-making process and capitalizing on opportunities, we should try to do more to eliminate exclusion and regional inefficiency. To achieve this, we require collective action. In other words, we should take advantage of the immense potential that the Latin American and Caribbean nations have in terms of their contribution to the growth of the new global society.

The two largest university networks in the American continent, namely the Inter-American Organization for Higher Education (IOHE) and the Union of Latin American and Caribbean Universities (UDUAL) recently addressed the importance of meeting current needs and promoting a decisive and concerted effort by Higher Education Institutes (HEI) throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.  As a result of these discussions, the rest of the national/ regional organizations and the university networks in the region agreed that there should be a convergence program to establish the Latin American and Caribbean Area of Higher Education. Essentially, this would comprise of a strategic mechanism that enables the Latin American and Caribbean integration process to be geared toward more content-oriented projects, which are of greater importance.
The mission of the Union of Latin American and Caribbean Universities (UDUAL) is to establish a mechanism that promotes the transformation of affiliated universities and, by so doing, to facilitate cooperation between members and international organisms that support its aims.  The aim is therefore to transform these entities into effective tools for economic, social, cultural, and technological development within each country. It also includes the process of internationalization, i.e. with the participation of national and regional university organizations and LAC Networks.

The mission of the Inter-American Organization for Higher Education (IOHE) is to strengthen  and support the development of sustainable  education in the Americas. Moreover, it is committed to developing cooperative links and solidarity among its members and promoting a process of mutual integration within the Americas, i.e.,

though university cooperation and improved inter-cultural understanding.

The Inter-American Organization for Higher Education (IOHE) and the Union of Universities of Latin America and the Caribbean (UDUAL)  seek to establish an academic synergy in collaboration with other national/ regional organizations and university networks. These organisms provide the building blocks for a Latin American and Caribbean Area for Higher Education. The higher education area will function as a mechanism for academic integration and research between university members and other groups from the American continent by incorporating  a system of credits and common criteria for curricular harmonization, which set standards and generate inter-institutional confidence and convergence. In addition, the HE area will promote mobility between higher education institutes on the continent and also for professors, researchers, students and administrative personnel .

The convergence and unification of higher education systems and the joint development of a Common Area for Latin American and Caribbean Higher Education are viewed as both significant challenges and inevitable processes, i.e. in terms of the major advances of the European Area for Higher Education and the Bologna Process. In essence,  this refers to  those initiatives that have been established by the continent’s higher education body.  In this way, the Latin American and Caribbean Area for HE  is greatly influenced by the New Knowledge Society, and, what’s more, it is related to a social, cultural, and economic model that is on a par with advanced countries. In addition, the technological component has greater relevance under these conditions. In short, this is where we find examples of similar initiatives  such as the European Area for Higher Education.
If it were  possible for education and university training in Latin America and Caribbean to become real catalysts of economic growth, innovation, research, employment, social integration, competitiveness, and democracy training, perhaps we could consider ourselves an advanced knowledge economy. Furthermore, we could place our institutes of higher education at the disposition of Latin American and Caribbean nations within the context of the Knowledge Society. In our experience, this type of a task requires a number of key steps: first, that each  Higher Education Institute in the region becomes an actual centre of learning, research, and social networking. Second, that they are fully committed to the idea of pursuing knowledge and seeking truth through the generation and dissemination of knowledge. Naturally, this should include the humanistic, democratic, scientific and technical training of students.

The Latin American and Caribbean Area of Higher Education should therefore be seen as a vision for methodological change – something that aims to improve the quality of higher education and gear university activity towards problem-based and collaborative learning, and, notwithstanding, the resolution of national, regional and global problems.
By creating an extensive university network and making it the cradle of a Higher Education Area based on convergence and cooperation, it would thus be possible to enhance interdisciplinary studies, mobility and  academic exchange. In addition, it would facilitate the  dissemination of knowledge and  promote  culture.  In short , it would increase the range of services that are available to the various public and productive sectors of  countries within the region.

Based on the initial efforts in creating the Latin American and Caribbean Area for Higher Education, the IOHE Board of Directors and the Executive Council of UDUAL wish to reiterate their commitment by joining forces and working towards achieving their goals. Their aim is to maximize institutional capacity by harnessing the strengths of universities, higher education institutions, national and regional organizations and university network members. Moreover, it is thought that the following working proposal is something that is conducive to establishing integration among Latin American and Caribbean University Students- thus satisfying a deep yearning.

Since the creation of the Latin American and Caribbean Area for Higher Education is one of our major challenges today, it is vital to recognize the fact that this project is totally unique in itself. In addition, it is important to promote the values and principles set out in the Declaration of the Regional Conference in Higher Education (CRES) 2008 […], “especially where it states that education is seen as a public social good, universal right, and duty of the State.  Higher Education Institutions (HEI) are therefore compelled to do the following, regardless of their legal status:

Acknowledge the notion of quality as it relates to social relevance and social inclusion;

Create and promote a culture of Democracy and Citizenship;

Affirm humanistic values and promote a culture of peace, respect, and respect for cultural diversity;

Establish conditions for dialogue between partners  from other global regions – with an emphasis on South-South cooperation.

“With these goals in mind, an Action Plan with five strategies was developed by the International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC).  In this document, some of our key aims for the short-term are highlighted, namely the […] “promotion of regional Latin American and Caribbean integration and the internationalization of Higher Education in the region. Among the initiatives was the creation of ENLACES: the Latin American and Caribbean Area for Higher Education”.

Based on the strategies and the recommendations in the Action Plan by IESALC-UNESCO, we aim to implement policies and actions that lead to the integration of Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean, thereby promoting with IESALC-UNESCO, (whom we recognize as the key coordinating body for HE integration policies in the region)

a permanent forum for discussion and debate via the largest convergence of institutions of higher education – by creating the Latin American and Caribbean Area for Higher Education.

To construct a Latin American and Caribbean Area for Higher Education, the following recommendations  have been proposed:

1. The definition of the General Objective must be established on specific criteria, namely quality and university cooperation. Furthermore it should be based on political and academic agreements, operational strategies, and the promotion of scientific and technological research- to foster respect for autonomy, academic freedom, and research.
2. The writing up of  a Declaration Policy aimed at Ministers of Higher Education (or their counterparts), and later Heads of State and Government from the Region, stating that the application for financial resources be included, and also that legal measures be applied for the sustainable development of Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean.
3. The elaboration of  an Academic Declaration in which universities or Higher Education Institutes are integrated into various national/regional organizations and university networks from the Region, and are committed to the creation of the Higher Education Area, thus adopting a series of ethical principles and academic standards that enable progress to be made in a coordinated and equitable manner.
4. The selection of a Technical Committee  (for Members) that is managed by IESALC-UNESCO-UDUAL and the IOHE. Their main task will be the promotion of the political and academic agenda, which leads to the successful implementation of the Latin American and Caribbean Area for Higher Education (ENLACES).
7.  Furthermore, the Full Technical Committee* shall have the task of  organizing  the working documents, thematic subjects, technical support, and the corresponding information related to meetings and the proposals for the administrative management of the Latin American and Caribbean Area for Higher Education.
* (with the maximum participation of experts/ technicians)
The Technical Committee coordinated by IESALC- UNESCO/UDUAL/OUI shall prepare a proposal of thematic subjects that will be part of the ELES agenda. The thematic subjects, which will be given in order, will focus on six key strategic lines of action:

1.  Renewal of former initiatives and processes
2.  University Commitment
3.  Political Will
4.  Quality Assurance
5.  Operational Strategy (Road Map)
6. Support for the development of research: policies, finance, training, incubators, connection, production, and recognition.

For the preparatory meeting  aimed at the implementation of the Latin American and Caribbean Area of Higher Education, all the national/regional organizations and university networks in the region will jointly meet with IESALC-UNESCO, the latter of which will act as key speakers.

On this special occasion, it would not go amiss to extend a formal invitation to the Directorate of Higher Education of UNESCO. This gesture is representative of our endeavours to strengthen and consolidate a dialogue with our university organizations. Moreover, it is particularly significant since we have been regularly supported by the International Agency of the United Nations- a relationship which is based on the concept of mutual respect and therefore closely related to the values and dignity of each of the region’s peoples and culture.