Mexico City, 14 July 2025. Spanish universities, represented by the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE), took an active part in the III CELAC–EU Academic and Knowledge Summit – “Consolidating the Common Area of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation”, held on 10 and 11 July at the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs of the Government of the United Mexican States. The aim of the meeting was to strengthen cooperation between the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean in the fields of higher education, science, technology and innovation.
The forum, organised by the Ibero-American University Council (CUIB) in collaboration with the National Association of Universities and Higher Education Institutions (ANUIES), forms part of a strategic initiative designed to accompany and enrich bi-regional political dialogue through the formulation of concrete proposals for consideration at the CELAC–EU Summits of Heads of State and Government.
The meeting took place in a global context that calls for closer academic, scientific and technological cooperation, grounded in sustainable development, innovation and inclusion. Its main purpose was to advance the construction of a shared Euro–Latin American and Caribbean area in these fields, by fostering shared knowledge generation, designing joint lines of action, and strengthening strategic and sustained collaboration between both regions.
During the sessions, participants discussed priorities and assessed the progress made since the previous academic summit. New actions were also proposed to enhance higher education, promote joint research, encourage the mutual recognition of degrees and academic pathways, and foster mobility and training stays.
The summit concluded with a Joint Declaration signed by universities, higher education networks and government authorities, which will serve as a key input for the forthcoming Summit of Heads of State and Government. The document sets out commitments aimed at consolidating a bi-regional space for cooperation in higher education, science, technology and innovation.
CRUE’s Participation in the Programme
As a strategic partner institution, CRUE played a prominent role in the Summit’s programme. In this context, M.ª Teresa Lozano, Secretary General of CRUE, took part on Thursday 10 July in the plenary session “Towards a CELAC–EU Common Knowledge Area: Shared Visions and Challenges”, which addressed the main challenges and opportunities for moving towards a more coordinated, inclusive academic system oriented towards the common good.
The Secretary General, M.ª Teresa Lozano, also represented CRUE at the Plenary Assembly of the Ibero-American University Council (CUIB), held on 9 July at the headquarters of ANUIES.
