Author: SG CSUCA

El Salvador strengthened research, agricultural innovation and community engagement efforts within the framework of Project 7-GT and university activities

During September and October, the University of El Salvador (UES) developed a series of activities aimed at strengthening scientific research, technological innovation and support for agricultural producers, as part of Project 7-GT and the University Scientific Researcher Week.

Dissemination of advances in food security

Within the framework of Project 7-GT, the online newspaper Contrapunto published an article titled “UES Develops Food and Nutritional Security Proposal to Address the Food Crisis” on September 12. The article highlighted UES's progress in formulating a comprehensive proposal to address the national food crisis, reinforcing its institutional commitment to applied research and sustainability.

Conference on Artificial Intelligence applied to scientific research

As part of the University Scientific Researcher Week, on September 24, the conference series was held in which the presentation "Artificial Intelligence applied to Scientific Research" was given by the Digital Transformation consultant Andrés Conde, who has more than 25 years of experience in international markets and is co-founder of Somos tuIA.

The conference was held virtually via Google Meet and introduced the academic community to new technological tools applied to research work.

Installation of agrometeorological stations

Within the framework of Project 7-GT, UES installed new agrometeorological stations designed to strengthen agricultural resilience to climate change on September 27.

These stations record detailed data on temperature, humidity, rainfall, solar radiation, wind speed and direction, evaporation, evapotranspiration, precipitation, and leaf wetness. The information collected is essential for detecting pests and diseases, optimizing water and fertilizer use, and improving farmers' decision-making.

Reference video: https://youtu.be/dk95z-X14Xs?si=PjR-wvR105UmfwHL

First field tour with farmers: presentation of technological showcases

As part of Project 7-GT-UES, the first field tour was held on October 10th, aimed at farmers in the area of influence of the Experimental and Practice Station of the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences.

During the event, several MIAF technology showcases were presented, including:

  • MIAF 1: Persian lime as an epiculture, accompanied by papaya, banana, sesame, rice, corn and sorghum.
  • MIAF 2: Jocote de Azucaron with associated crops such as corn, sesame, chufle, green bean, sorghum, pitahaya and passion fruit.
  • MIAF 3: Myrtle as an epiculture, along with corn, sorghum, rice and monkey bean.
  • MIAF 4: Taiwanese guava accompanied by black corn, sesame, rice, soybeans and sorghum.

The plot of roots and tubers was also presented, showcasing crops such as cassava, taro, tiquizque, turmeric, papaya, and ginger, among others. These species represent high-value alternatives for strengthening food and nutritional security in rural communities. As part of the technical exchange, germplasm was offered for their propagation.

Donation of seeds to producers of the San Cristóbal Cooperative

On October 16, the rice and sesame harvest from the MIAF Persian Lime system was delivered to the producers of the San Cristóbal Cooperative.

The donation, received by Mr. José Valdez, president of the cooperative, will be used as seed to establish new cultivation areas on his land, contributing to the strengthening of local production and access to quality seeds.

Universities from Central America and the Caribbean strengthened their commitment to comprehensive health during the VI Meeting of Health Promoting Universities

En el Centro Universitario de Catacamas, Olancho, Honduras, la Universidad Nacional de Agricultura (UNAG) fue sede, del 17 al 19 de noviembre de 2025, del VI Encuentro Centroamericano y del Caribe de Universidades Promotoras de la Salud (EUPS), un espacio que reunió a autoridades universitarias, especialistas internacionales, equipos estudiantiles y representantes institucionales de la región para avanzar en la construcción de universidades más saludables, inclusivas y resilientes, bajo el lema “Universidades saludables, comunidades resilientes”.

Para dar inicio, el Dr. Orlando Murillo, Vicerrector Académico de la UNAG, en representación al Dr. Victor Javier Gonzales, rector de la UNAG, destacando la evolución histórica de los procesos de vida estudiantil en Centroamérica, recordando que desde 1973 y 1978 se comenzó a fortalecer la representación estudiantil dentro del CSUCA, y que “poco a poco hemos madurado estos procesos”, subrayando la importancia de seguir consolidando el CONREVE y la promoción de la salud universitaria.

El Bachiller Mario Mancía, Presidente de FEUCA, resaltó la relevancia de que la federación forme parte activa de estos espacios, enfatizando que “la salud física y mental es fundamental en todos los programas universitarios” y que aprender de otras instituciones fortalece la acción estudiantil en la región.

El Maestro Jorge Cortez, Presidente de CONREVE, expresó un mensaje en defensa de la universidad pública, señalando que su existencia permite condiciones dignas para la vida estudiantil: “Nunca dejen de defender la universidad pública. Gracias a ella tenemos estas oportunidades que afuera serían inalcanzables”. También resaltó la importancia de la autonomía universitaria como pilar para el desarrollo.

El Dr. Diego Gálvez, asesor de la OPS/OMS en Honduras, remarcó el valor estratégico del encuentro para comprender los desafíos de la región, destacando que “la integración no es un ideal; es una condición para avanzar”. Añadió que el conocimiento compartido entre universidades y expertos es crucial para enfrentar los retos ambientales, migratorios y sociales que afectan al istmo.

El MSc. Carlos Alvarado Cerezo, Secretario General del CSUCA, subrayó la importancia de la educación como vehículo de principios y valores, señalando que “las naciones que no invierten en educación, ciencia y tecnología condenan a su población a la marginación”. Destacó además el papel del CSUCA en fortalecer el trabajo universitario y sus beneficios para la sociedad.

Trabajo colaborativo y acuerdos regionals

Conferencias, talleres, paneles y espacios de diálogo permitieron reflexionar sobre salud mental, equidad, programas de bienestar y el fortalecimiento institucional. El Laboratorio de Ideas permitió avanzar en la construcción de una hoja de ruta regional para las Universidades Promotoras de la Salud, culminando con la firma de una Declaratoria Conjunta.

Cierre cultural y conexión territorial

El encuentro concluyó con una presentación cultural de la UNAG y un recorrido por las Cuevas de Talgua y Ciudad Blanca, promoviendo el vínculo entre cultura, territorio y bienestar universitario.

El CSUCA, reafirma su compromiso con la promoción de la salud, la integración regional y el fortalecimiento de políticas de bienestar para toda la comunidad universitaria.



Presentation of ENLACES at the CXXV Ordinary Session of the CSUCA

Tegucigalpa, Honduras, November 21, 2025

Within the framework of the one hundred and twenty-fifth Ordinary Session of the Central American Higher University Council (CSUCA), the presentation of the Latin American and Caribbean Space for Higher Education (ENLACES) was carried out, an international organization that articulates networks, associations and institutions of higher education in Latin America and the Caribbean to strengthen academic integration and regional cooperation.

The activity took place at the Francisco Morazán National Pedagogical University (UPNFM) and was inaugurated by MSc. Lexy Medina, Rector of the UPNFM, who highlighted that “Building a common knowledge space requires the active participation of our universities, committed to the challenges of the present and to the vision of a more integrated regional future.”.

Meanwhile, Professor Isabel Rojas, representing the Presidency of CSUCA and the University of San Carlos of Guatemala, emphasized the importance of “to advance regional initiatives, recognizing the particularities of Central America and the strength with which the region has managed to position itself as a proactive actor in international spaces”.

The president of the Federation of University Students of Central America and the Caribbean (FEUCA), Bachelor Mario Macia, highlighted the role of university youth in these processes, noting that “FEUCA is not indifferent to the risks facing the region; we are here to strengthen student participation and work together for the common good.”.

The Secretary General of CSUCA, MSc. Carlos Alvarado Cerezo, emphasized that “The way forward is to unite: to work collectively and with solidarity to respond to the hopes that our societies place in the region's public universities..”

He added that these spaces are vital for “Listen to observations, doubts and contributions with total independence and confidence, because integration is built with real participation”.

For his part, Dr. Fernando Sosa, executive secretary of ENLACES, recalled the long road traveled to consolidate this continental project and stressed that “ENLACES is the result of a dream sustained for years: to build a common academic space for Latin America and the Caribbean, articulating networks and wills that today materialize with a continuous work that already exceeds a decade”.

Dr. Álvaro Rico, executive secretary of the Montevideo Group Association of Universities (AUGM), welcomed the Council, highlighting that AUGM, comprised of 51 universities from seven countries, shares the vision of defending higher education as a human right and a duty of states. He stated that “The joint path with CSUCA has been fruitful, advancing towards a Latin American and Caribbean space for higher education that articulates our networks and strengthens the common objectives of the continent”.

Dr. Elizabeth Bernal Gamboa, Secretary General of the Colombian Association of Universities (ASCUN), emphasized that “In any international space, it is essential to consider the particularities of Central America, because they provide a strategic vision and a key transformative force for the region.”. He also shared the reasons why the CEO of ASCUN could not attend, reiterating the association's commitment to regional integration and to the work of ENLACES.

Presentation of the Latin American and Caribbean Higher Education Space (ENLACES)

The ENLACES executives outlined their main priorities:

  • Background: from CRES 2008 to the approval of its statutes.
  • Nature, purposes and principles: articulation of organizations and networks for the development of the common space of knowledge.
  • Strategic objectives: strengthening integration, academic mobility, educational quality and regional research.
  • Membership and integration: participation in national and regional networks, including CSUCA, AUGM, ASCUN and other associations.
  • Internal organization that supports the technical and political work of the space.

Featured actions of ENLACES

  • First General Conference: National University of Córdoba, Argentina (June 2018).
  • Second General Conference: University of Cartagena, Colombia (June 2022).
  • Consolidation of thematic commissions, mobility, cooperation and research networks.

Regional commitment

CSUCA reaffirmed with conviction that integration not only strengthens universities, but also positions Central America and the Caribbean as a solid, articulated actor with its own voice within the Latin American and Caribbean space of higher education, reaffirming its leadership in regional academic integration during the presentation of ENLACES at the CXXV Ordinary Session of CSUCA.

125th Ordinary Session of the Central American Higher University Council (CSUCA)

Tegucigalpa, November 20, 2025

Today, at the facilities of the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH), the one hundred and twenty-fifth Ordinary Session of the Central American Higher University Council (CSUCA) is inaugurated, a space that brings together the highest university authorities and the regional student presidencies, to strengthen academic integration and advance in shared institutional priorities.

The opening ceremony included remarks from Dr. Odir Fernández, Rector of UNAH, who extended a warm welcome to the university he represents, the venue for this ordinary session, and noted “The purpose of these council sessions has been to promote the institutional development of our universities, to promote the harmonization of their curricula, to facilitate academic exchange, to study regional problems, and above all to defend quality higher education, as an indispensable partner that must exist in these spaces.”.

Meanwhile, teacher Isabel Rojas, representing the Presidency of CSUCA, mentioned “A warm greeting from the Rector's Office of the University of San Carlos of Guatemala. It is an honor to be with you and to share in this meeting between universities, which allows us to further the academic development of our countries, promoting future integration through the decision-making that takes place at this table.

For his part, MSc. Carlos Alvarado Cerezo, Secretary General of CSUCA, indicated “This CSUCA session takes place in a context full of challenges and opportunities for our institutions. We are at a key moment to consolidate progress, evaluate our processes, strengthen our regulations, and continue to commit to regional integration as a way to enhance our institutional capacities.”.

The session officially began with the verification of quorum and the approval of the day's agenda. Following this, the plenary approved the minutes of the 124th Ordinary Session held on June 2, 2025.

The institutional reports were then presented:

  • Report of the Presidency of the CSUCA
  • FEUCA report, which outlined the actions of the student movement in the regional sphere.
  • Report from the General Secretariat of CSUCA

One of the topics discussed, with the aim of strengthening the work carried out by the General Secretariat, was the extension of the call for nominations to elect the Deputy Secretary for Student Affairs (SAAE) for the 2026–2028 term, setting the deadline for January 15, 2026. Also discussed was the approval of the call for nominations to elect the General Secretary of CSUCA for the 2026–2030 term.

In administrative matters, the plenary session learned of the selection of the auditing firm that will accompany the 2025 accounting period, reaffirming the commitment to transparency and accountability.

Another point addressed was the report on the Central American University Sports Games (JUDUCA) and the activities of SIREVE, led by UNAH.

In the area of institutional integration, the request of the Higher Technical Community Institute to join as a full member of CSUCA was discussed, thus strengthening the regional network of higher education, and the incorporation of said institution was approved, bringing the total to 28 public universities that make up the Central American University Confederation.

Subsequently, the CSUCA General Secretariat's Work Plan for 2026 was presented, which will guide the strategic priorities for the coming year.

Among the additional points, the report of the COIL OBREAL–CSUCA course was shared, highlighting the progress in internationalization and academic cooperation.

The agenda continued with the presentation of the proposed regional research and postgraduate agenda, led by the Rector of the National University of Costa Rica, a strategic input for the articulation of regional scientific work.

Finally, the authorities reviewed the addendum to the SIREICU Regulations and presented awards to former CSUCA members as a token of appreciation for their contributions to institutional development. The meeting concluded with the selection of the venue and date for the next meeting, with the International Maritime University of Panama (UMIP) being unanimously chosen to host the 126th ordinary session of CSUCA, to be held in May 2025.

Before the day ended, a friendly reminder was given that tomorrow, at the facilities of the Francisco Morazán National Pedagogical University (UPNFM), a meeting will be held with the board of directors of ENLACES: Latin American and Caribbean Space for Higher Education.