From 16 to 18 July 2025, PUCE TEC – a UNEVOC Centre in Quito, hosted the first regional conference on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for Latin America and the Caribbean. Organized under the theme of sustainable employment and competitive industry, the conference brought together regional and international stakeholders committed to advancing TVET in the region.

On the sidelines of the event, 11 UNEVOC Centres convened for a dedicated UNEVOC Network meeting – with eight attending in person and three joining virtually. This gathering provided an opportunity to revitalize relationships, strengthen regional bonds and identify concrete areas for collaboration. As one participant insightfully put it, the goal was to transform traditional cooperation into “cooperaction” – emphasizing action-oriented partnerships that lead to shared results.

The meeting also served as a platform for outreach and growth. Five additional institutions joined as observers, gaining firsthand insights into the value of UNEVOC Network membership and the potential for collaboration within this global TVET community. Established UNEVOC Centres shared their experiences and outlined the benefits of participating in the Network, from joint initiatives to peer learning and access to technical expertise.

A highlight was the formal induction of two new UNEVOC Centres. In a brief ceremony, Natalie Ax, UNESCO-UNEVOC Regional Focal Point for Latin America and the Caribbean, presented the official Network plaques to the Ecuadorian Council of Higher Education (CES), represented by Pablo Beltrán, President of CES; and Chile’s Centro de Formación Técnica (INACAP), represented by Marcos Avilez, Director of International Relations.

Both institutions were warmly welcomed and recognized for their demonstrated commitment to advancing TVET quality, relevance and innovation in their respective countries.

To foster deeper engagement and peer learning, participants took part in a “speed networking” session, modelled on a five-minute exchange format. Discussions were guided by the four strategic outcomes of UNESCO-UNEVOC’s medium-term strategy 2024-2026:

• New and updated strategies, frameworks and tools that reflect new TVET policy reforms and agendas
• TVET leaders, managers and teachers are equipped with relevant and future-oriented skills to better meet the needs of learners
• The UNEVOC Network has a greater impact on the quality and performance of national TVET systems
• The global TVET community benefits from access to a comprehensive resource centre and evidence base on TVET

These targeted, fast-paced interactions allowed participants to benchmark practices, identify common priorities, and lay the groundwork for future collaborations around specific themes and projects.

Looking ahead, a small group of participating institutions committed to forming a consortium to co-organize the second regional TVET conference, anticipated for 2027. This decision underscores the value of regional ownership and continuity in shaping a shared TVET vision for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Participants left Quito with renewed energy, strengthened partnerships and a shared commitment to steering TVET systems to be more inclusive, agile and forward-looking. The event reaffirmed the UNEVOC Network’s role as a catalyst for meaningful collaboration, policy exchange and capacity building, rooted in regional realities and aligned with global trends.

Learn more about the conference and its outcomes here: https://connect.unevoc.puce.edu.ec/conferencia-eftp/