Evaluation of UNESCO’s Regional Conventions on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education

Abstract

UNESCO has established a number of regional recognition conventions in higher education. The conventions constitute a unique legal framework for allowing the recognition of qualifications in higher education between States Parties. This evaluation is timely given the ongoing efforts made by UNESCO and its Member States to develop and implement a new generation of regional conventions, and the discussions and consultations underway for the potential development of a global convention on the recognition of qualifications in higher education. The evaluation focuses on the importance and role of the higher education recognition conventions in the various regional contexts; the relevance of and contribution of the conventions to UNESCO’s broader higher education programme; the effectiveness of the governing and management mechanisms of the regional conventions; and the effectiveness of UNESCO’s support for the development, ratification, and implementation of the regional conventions. It also identifies key lessons to be learned from the development, ratification and implementation of the regional conventions so far, as well as from the implementation of other standard-setting instruments in UNESCO. The report contains eight key recommendations and several proposed action points to strengthen and take the work forward in the future.