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RedCLARA participated in the Preparatory Seminar for the VI Latin America and the Caribbean–European Union (ALC-EU) Academic Summit, held in Costa Rica on January 30 and 31. This meeting was crucial for advancing the creation of a common space for higher education, science, technology, and innovation between both regions, with the goal of developing an academic integration agreement.

The event brought together representatives from academic, scientific, and innovation institutions from around the world. Its main objective was to analyze the current and future situation of higher education, science, and technology in both regions. Participants shared ideas and proposals to strengthen cooperation between Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean in preparation for the VI ALC-EU Academic Summit to be held this year, within the framework of the IV CELAC-EU Summit.

“RedCLARA’s participation in this seminar demonstrates our commitment to academic, scientific, and technological cooperation in the region. One of the main objectives of the VI Academic Summit in 2025 will be to create an Academic Integration Agreement between ALC and the EU,” said Laura Castellana, academic projects coordinator.

Three key moments highlighted RedCLARA's participation. First, in the strategic dialogues prior to the meeting on global challenges, the Academic Projects Coordinator presented the digital ecosystem between ALC and Europe as a collaboration platform. Castellana explained RedCLARA’s role, the BELLA project, the Copernicus Academy, and the methodology used in innovation activities.

In the second session, during the panel "The Future of Higher Education in the Face of Global Challenges," José Palacios, member of RedCLARA’s Board of Directors and president of REUNA, Chile, addressed topics such as the future of work, digital transition, and the impact of artificial intelligence on academia and research. Finally, Laura Castellana moderated the reflection group "Challenges and Perspectives of AI in Academic and Research Activities," sharing insights on the use of emerging technologies to foster international collaboration.

The preparatory seminar follows up on the agreements from previous academic summits: Chile (2013), Brussels (2015), Córdoba (2018), Bucharest (2022), and Alcalá (2023). These meetings have been key in the development of Chapter 9 on Higher Education in the CELAC-EU Action Plan 2015, as well as in subsequent declarations, including the 2023 Santo Domingo Declaration.

RedCLARA’s participation reaffirms its commitment to academic, scientific, and technological cooperation in the region. The creation of an ALC-EU Academic Integration Agreement will be one of the main objectives of the VI Academic Summit in 2025, a key event for the future of collaboration between the two regions.

The VI ALC-EU Academic Summit is shaping up to be a key event for the future of academic, scientific, and technological collaboration in both regions.