PUCE TEC inaugurated as the first UNEVOC Centre in Ecuador

On 28 February 2024, the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador Technical and Technological Academic Unit (PUCE TEC) held an inauguration ceremony to celebrate its membership in the UNEVOC Network. It is the first Ecuadorian institution to become a member of UNESCO’s global network for institutions specializing in technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

PUCE TEC’s membership in the UNEVOC Network highlights its commitment to global education. The institution will have the opportunity to engage in peer learning, knowledge exchange and collaboration with more than 230 UNEVOC Centres in 150 countries around the world.

During the inauguration ceremony, Fernando Ponce León, Rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador; Fabián Valdivieso, Secretary General of the Ecuadorian Commission of Cooperation with UNESCO; Saadia Sánchez, Director in Charge of UNESCO Quito; Friedrich Huebler, Head of UNESCO-UNEVOC; and Pablo Plou, Head of the UNEVOC Centre PUCE TEC, marked the important milestone in the strengthening of technical and technological education in Ecuador.

In her speech, Saadia Sánchez Vegas referred to UNESCO's key role in the development of skills for all people to learn, work and live; the promotion of inclusive and sustainable economies; and the creation of inclusive and peaceful societies. Ms Vegas said, "While these three key areas of TVET are part of a global strategy – defined in 2022 for all countries – their contents are closely related to Ecuador's current reality. That is to say, they are pertinent to the needs of education, work, life, sustainable development, and the peace and non-violence that Ecuadorian society so desires today."

Fernando Ponce León, Rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador, emphasized, “At PUCE, we firmly believe in equitable access to technical and professional education for young people of all socioeconomic conditions … With this alliance, we are committed to strengthening UNESCO's mission."

While officially welcoming PUCE TEC to the Network, Friedrich Huebler, Head of UNESCO-UNEVOC, noted, “UNEVOC Centres have shown an unwavering commitment to improving the quality of TVET teaching and learning through mutual support and collaboration. We recognize PUCE TEC as a valuable addition to this community.”

In his closing remarks, Pablo Plou, Head of the UNEVOC Centre PUCE TEC, explained that access to higher education in Ecuador remains unequal, reflecting socioeconomic divisions. “Overcoming this gap requires comprehensive collaboration between the state, civil society and other actors. In this sense, strengthening technical and professional education is essential to offer opportunities and reduce barriers to entry into the labour market. We will work on this from the new UNEVOC Centre,” he said.

More information

The UNEVOC Network

The UNEVOC Network is UNESCO’s global platform of technical and vocational education and training institutions, comprised of 231 UNEVOC Centres in 150 countries. Its overall mission is to contribute to improving the standards and quality of TVET in respective countries and globally. UNEVOC Network members embrace a spirit of cooperation and mutual assistance. They work as a collective, with the support of UNESCO-UNEVOC, to achieve the Network’s mission.

PUCE TEC

PUCE TEC is a specialist TVET education unit of the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador. The institution offers training based on the needs and practices of society related to productivity, industry and services. Currently, it focuses on 15 high-impact careers in the country's productive sectors with presence in seven cities: Matriz (Quito), Ibarra, Ambato, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Esmeraldas, Manabí and Amazonas.

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