Peru Leads Discussion on Innovation in Education at Virtual Educa

Policy-makers, educators, social actors and the private sector from Latin America and the Caribbean were all represented at the XV Virtual Educa International Symposium held in Lima, Peru, June 9 – 13, 2014. The annual International Symposium, which brings together a broad diversity of actors to share experiences and ideas on innovation in education, was organized by the Ministries of Education and of Culture of Peru, in collaboration with the OAS-SEDI and the Andean Virtual Educa Foundation.

The Symposium’s broad reach and ample participation was testament to the priority given by the Peruvian Government to expanding the use of Information and Telecommunication Technologies (ICTs) in education. During five days, more than 400 conferences, 29 workshops, and 420 speakers and international experts shaped a rich discussion and knowledge sharing experience that convened a reported 5,800 representatives of all sectors; that were joined by an additional 5,000 participants attending satellite venues established in partner universities and other education institutions and 66,500 people who connected virtually to the event.

The President of Peru, Ollanta Humala, inaugurated the event stressing the importance of working with different actors to improve education as the basis for more inclusive societies "Before, education was a subject of exclusion, today we cannot use that same logic; we have to understand that everyone needs to be educated to be productive in the labor market, and we need qualified people able to compete globally. This is a task that we must undertake together: governments, educators and private institutions," he said. Referring to the use of technology and innovation in education, President Humala highlighted the need "to take on the challenge of innovation, beginning with teachers, who must continue to train themselves using modern media and new methods of education."

Ambassador Hugo de Zela, on behalf of OAS Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza, spoke to the organization’s involvement in this initiative, highlighting that “Education is the great equalizer in our societies, that is why it is so useful that the forums of Virtual Educa have given our States a permanent space to discuss, and share experiences and ideas on public policies with a multidisciplinary approach”. Mr. de Zela coincided with the link made by President Humala between education and social inclusion by adding that "to level economic and social inequalities, promote social mobility, enhance the prospects of our young people, promote science, innovation and the development and strengthening of democracy and the rule of law, having access to a high quality education is a prerequisite."

Executive Secretary for Integral Development, Sherry Tross, stressed that through its education and human development programs, and through partnership initiatives such as Virtual Educa, “the OAS provides real value added to its Member States”. “The challenges facing countries are beyond the competence of even the best-resourced agency, institution or Government and require sustained dialogue and cooperation within a hemispheric strategic framework. These grand challenges on growth, social inclusion and sustainability cannot be solved in one day or in one forum. These are global issues where cooperation, mutual support, a regional vision and collective long-term action are required” she added.

During the closing ceremony, Vice-President of the Government of Peru, Marisol Espinoza, closed the event urging participants to “build this digital revolution, this great transformation that will move education a step forward”. Mexico offered to host the next Virtual Educa International Symposium 2015 in Guadalajara.