Network of rectors for sustainability

In the framework of the Third Convention of Rectors and Academic Leaders, which takes place from August 27-30 in Cartagena, Colombia, the constitution of the Network of Rectors for Sustainability was formalized. This historic event took place on Wednesday, August 28, in an atmosphere of commitment and collaboration to address the global challenges facing higher education today.

The event began with the Rector’s Panel entitled “Alliances of value and impact to transform the future”, in which the rectors participating in the course “Leadership and sustainable university governance towards the 2030 agenda” shared their reflections on alliances as catalysts for the transformation of the future in key areas such as education, research and community development. The importance of building partnerships based on mutual trust and shared values that not only address current challenges but also anticipate future needs was highlighted.

At the end of the panel, the academic leaders reaffirmed their commitment to work together in building a more sustainable and equitable future, through the Rectors’ Network for Sustainability, which is presented as a space for dialogue, innovation and joint action: “We are committed to working constructively, collaboratively and constantly to advance and promote sustainability in all its dimensions within our institutions.

Progress was made with the space for the formalization of the network, chaired by Francesc Pedró who highlighted how “Universities themselves must be social models that allow people to live within the campus the definition of sustainability, where everything works as it should work and the epicenter is in people” and complements on the beginnings of this network that materializes: “more than a course, it was a platform for exchange of experiences, initiatives and knowledge”, underlining the richness of the interactions between academic leaders.

With this initiative, a significant step is taken towards the consolidation of a university leadership committed to the objectives of sustainable development and social transformation. The Rectors’ Network for Sustainability is positioned as a key platform for the exchange of experiences, the promotion of good practices and the generation of solutions that contribute to a better future for all.

With the formalization of this Network, a platform is established whose mission is to lead and promote the integration of sustainability in higher education, strengthening collaboration between universities, business sectors and governments. The network seeks to influence the formulation of public policies to advance towards global sustainable development, training university leaders and promoting research, innovation and social responsibility.

The Network’s vision is to transform institutions and communities through the creation of knowledge networks and best practices, ensuring that future professionals are prepared to face the challenges of the contemporary world with a sustainable and equitable vision.

Objectives:

• Integrate sustainability into academic curricula.
• Foster sustainable leadership and governance in universities.
• Influence public policies to support sustainability.
• Raise awareness of the SDGs and the role of universities.
• Promote collaboration between universities, business and government.
• Establish international partnerships for sustainable development.
• Support research and innovation in sustainability.
• Facilitate the exchange of best practices among universities.
• Promote university social responsibility in sustainability.
• Monitor and evaluate progress in sustainable initiatives.

The Rectors’ Network for Sustainability has been consolidated with the signature of university rectors in Honduras, Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, El Salvador, Peru, Argentina and Bolivia, marking the beginning of a new era of collaboration that will become a benchmark for other educational institutions around the world, inspiring similar actions and strengthening international cooperation.

These are the founding rectors:

1. Juana Rosario Duarte Galeas, Rector, Universidad Metropolitana de Honduras, Honduras.
2. María Augusta Hermida Palacios, Rector, Universidad de Cuenca, Ecuador.
3. Jaime Alberto Leal Afanador, Rector, Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia – UNAD, Colombia.
4. Fernanda Llergo Bay, Rectora, Universidad Panamericana, México.
5. Sergio Ernesto Carranza, Rector, Universidad Autónoma de Santa Ana, El Salvador.
6. Mario Rafael Olmos Argueta, Rector, Universidad Don Bosco, El Salvador.
7. Ana María Piñeros Ricardo, Rector, Fundación Universitaria Juan N. Corpas, Colombia.
8. Edward Michael Roekaert Embrechts, Rector, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Perú.
9. Maritza Rondón Rangel, Rector, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia
10. Cecilia Paredes, Rector, Universidad Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Ecuador.
11. Marcelo Figari, Rector, Universidad Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Argentina
12. Germán Anzola, Rector, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales, Colombia.
13. Verónica Agreda de Pazos, Rector, Universidad Privada Franz Tamayo, Bolivia.
14. Enrique Eugenio Pozo Cabrera, Rector, Universidad Católica de Cuenca, Ecuador.

Read the statutes (in Spanish) here

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