Author: SG CSUCA

First Pre-FICCUA Congress 2026

Tegucigalpa, Honduras, October 7, 2025


With the purpose of strengthening the cultural and artistic identity of the Central American and Caribbean peoples, the Central American Higher University Council (CSUCA), through the Regional Council of Student Life (CONREVE), inaugurated this morning the First Pre-FICCUA 2026 Congress, at the facilities of the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH).

This activity marks the beginning of preparations for the thirteenth edition of the Central American Interuniversity Festival of Culture and Art (FICCUA), bringing together representatives from the 27 public universities that make up CSUCA, who will work together to define the artistic, thematic and logistical bases of the festival that will celebrate the student talent of the region.

The opening ceremony included speeches by MSc. Carlos Guillermo Alvarado Cerezo, Secretary General of CSUCA; MSc. Jorge Cortez, President of CONREVE and Coordinator of Student Life at the University of El Salvador; and Dr. Lourdes Murcia Carbajal, Academic Vice-Rector of UNAH, representing Dr. Odir Aarón Fernández Flores, Rector of UNAH.

Beginning with words from teacher Carlos Alvarado, who made a call“We must recognize that culture and the arts fulfill a vital function in allowing human imagination, creativity, and self-expression to flourish, and that this function Through the possibilities of creation, it opens up multiple social perspectives, which is why I call upon you to work collaboratively for an education that, through cultural and artistic expressions, is transformative for our societies.”.

During his speech, Professor Jorge Cortez emphasized that “Artistic expressions are a form of critical thinking that allows students to connect with the reality of their people, reflecting in art the essence of our Central American identity.”.

For her part, Dr. Lourdes Mucia expressed that this meeting “It opens the doors to a new stage for our public universities, where culture becomes a transformative element, capable of strengthening the sense of belonging and regional pride.”.

This first mini-congress will take place on October 7th and 9th and will include several working sessions, where delegates will address proposals for artistic participation in the categories of music, theater, visual arts, literature, dance and cinematography, in addition to the presentation of the graphic line and official logo of FICCUA 2026.

The purpose of the First Congress is to conclude with the definition of agreements that will lay the foundations for the development of the festival, reaffirming the commitment of CSUCA and CONREVE to the promotion of art, culture and regional university integration.

 

The Autonomous University of Santo Domingo holds the first edition of the 2025 SIREICU Awards.

Santo Domingo, Friday, September 26

The Regional System of University Information and Communication -SIREICU- recognizes talent and innovation in university communication in Central America and the Caribbean

The Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) hosted the first edition of the SIREICU 2025 Awards, an event that recognized talent, creativity, and innovation in university communication in Central America and the Caribbean. The ceremony brought together academic authorities, communicators, and students, reaffirming communication as a strategic pillar in public higher education, within the framework of the Tenth General Assembly of the Regional System of University Information and Communication (SIREICU).

MSc. Carlos Alvarado Cerezo, Secretary General of the Central American Higher University Council (CSUCA), inaugurated the day highlighting the importance of university communication. “University communication connects our universities with society, disseminates research, and strengthens cultural identity. This event represents much more than the awarding of prizes: it is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together in a coordinated manner.”, he stated.

On behalf of the rector of UASD, Dr. Radhames Silverio González, the vice-rector of Research and Postgraduate Studies highlighted the potential of young communicators and the importance of regional integration. “To communicate is to serve, to build identity, and to pave the way for new generations. This event marks a milestone for university communication in our region,” he stated. He further emphasized that “disseminating valuable work ensures the continued relevance of public universities' contributions to the development of our communities. Academia must offer relevant, truthful, and independent guidelines and knowledge that contribute to regional progress.””.

For his part, Professor Roberto Tejada Muñoz, president of SIREICU, highlighted the work of university communicators. “Each graphic, report, campaign, and piece of digital content recognized here represents a significant contribution to the growth of our institutions and the strengthening of public higher education. For the past 11 months, I have led this organization with the mission of promoting communication, and we have consolidated actions that strengthen regional integration.””,” he said.

The main objectives of SIREICU are to promote inter-university alliances for the dissemination of university activities, contribute to the formulation of communication policies, support networking among academics and researchers, strengthen the capacities of communication teams, and develop products that disseminate research, teaching, culture, and sports.

Awards and recognitions

  • Journalism: Kenneth Mora, for Indigenous Empowerment: The Power of Cacao; Irina Grajales, recognition in Video for Preliminary Studies on Plants Near Volcanoes.
  • Public Relations: Odiseo A. Armando Palm, for the UASD Contigo campaign; special mentions for Eduard J. Huete Flores (UNAH Postgraduate Campaign Phase I) and Marco Antonio Sánchez (Online Vocational Fair Campaign).
  • Advertising and Promotion: Ana Eugenia Tona Castellanos, for EUNED Reading Promotion: A book is a secret to discover; Arístides Acxel Martínez, recognition for UNACHI TV Commercial.
  • Graphic Communication: Laura Rodríguez Rodríguez, for the 55th Anniversary of the Clodomiro Picado Institute (ICP); Odiseo A. Armando Palm, for a commemorative piece for the 486th Anniversary of the UASD.
  • Digital Communication: Pablo Mora, main prize; María Karolina Hernández Cháves and Armando Aguilar Gómez, recognized in subcategories for projects in social networks and video podcast.

Cultural programming

The ceremony featured performances by the UASD Folkloric Ballet, modern dance, and the Chamber Orchestra conducted by Maestro Hipólito Javier, highlighting the artistic richness and cultural identity of the region.

At the end of the awards ceremony, CSUCA recognized the organizers of this first gala for their valuable contribution, presenting awards to Roberto Tejada, for his leadership and conceptualization of the awards; Óscar Arnulfo Romero, for the design of the official award statue; Larissa De Jesús López, for her work in the general organization; Marlon Santana, for the development and setup of the Red Comunica website and the event; and Randy Raposo, for the layout of the graphic design and digital design.

The first edition of the SIREICU 2025 Awards consolidated a space for institutional recognition and projected a legacy aimed at inspiring future generations of university communicators in Central America and the Caribbean.

10th General Assembly of the Regional University Information and Communication System (SIREICU)

Santo Domingo, September 25 and 26, 2025

The Regional System of University Information and Communication (SIREICU), a branch of the Central American University Confederation (CSUCA), held its X General Assembly on September 25 and 26, 2025 at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD), Dominican Republic, consolidating itself as a space for integration and articulation of the communication bodies of the public universities of the region.

The opening ceremony was presided over by MSc. Editrudis Beltrán Crisóstomo, Rector of UASD; MSc. Carlos Alvarado Cerezo, Secretary General of CSUCA; and Mtro. Roberto Tejada, Director General of Communications at UASD and outgoing President of SIREICU. During the event, the strategic role of SIREICU as a key instrument for the creation, production, and dissemination of communication materials that showcase the work of regional universities was highlighted.

With a lively message, Mr. Roberto Tejada opened the general assembly, calling for regional unity: “It is a pleasure for us to welcome you to our home. For the past 11 months, I have led this organization with the mission of promoting communication from the Presidency of SIREICU, and our actions have been driven in that direction, actions that consolidate communication and regional integration.”.

For his part, MSc. Carlos Alvarado Cerezo, Secretary General of CSUCA, stated, “Today we meet not only to continue the work already underway, but also to look back on the nine previous assemblies, in which we have sown ideas, projects, and agreements that have strengthened our shared vision. This journey has allowed us to build a university communication network that is now more solid, more coordinated, and more aware of its responsibility to the regional community,” inviting everyone to follow up. .

While MSc. Editudis Beltrán Crisostomo, Rector of the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, pointed out, “Disseminating beautiful work is to keep alive the contribution of public universities to the development of our people; academia must offer guidelines and knowledge with relevance, truthfulness, and freedom that contribute to the development of the peoples of the region,” mentioning the importance. .

The main objectives of SIREICU are: to promote inter-university alliances for the dissemination of university activities; to contribute to the formulation of communication policies; to support networking among academics and researchers; to strengthen the capacities of communication teams; and to develop products that disseminate research, teaching, culture, and sports.

The Assembly's agenda included keynote addresses by Iván Ruiz (CRTV Channel 4) and Libio Encarnación (UASD), working groups on the Red Comunica and Radio Comunica networks, the development of a Communication Manual to support teaching and crisis situations, and the creation of a regional inventory of media outlets and university communication offices. Additionally, proposals were promoted for joint communication campaigns among CSUCA systems and the production of an institutional promotional video.

A pivotal moment of the Assembly was the transfer of the SIREICU presidency to Mr. Edwin Medina, who presented his work plan, which aims to foster collaborative exchange within the communication sector. Also significant was the election of the new Secretary General for the 2026-2028 term, Maribelle Quirós from the National University of Costa Rica, thus ensuring the system's continuity and renewal.

The X General Assembly of SIREICU reaffirmed that university communication is a fundamental pillar for Central American and Caribbean integration, strengthening the mission of universities to contribute to the development, culture and critical thinking of the region.

The day will culminate with the First SIREICU Awards Ceremony, a milestone that recognizes the communication efforts of member universities and symbolizes the consolidation of the system as a regional benchmark in university communication.

CSUCA's 77th anniversary

Guatemala City, September 20, 2025

The Central American University Confederation commemorates 77 years of integration and reaffirms its commitment to science, inclusion, and regional innovation.

The Central American University Confederation and its highest governing body, the Central American University Superior Council (CSUCA), celebrate today 77 years of institutional life, reaffirming its historical role as the first university integration organization in Central America, the Dominican Republic and Cuba.

Since its creation in 1948, during the First Central American University Congress held in San Salvador, the CSUCA has been a pioneering space for academic, scientific, and cultural collaboration among the region's public universities. That first Declaration of Principles laid the foundation for understanding the university as an engine of social transformation, a defender of autonomy, and a promoter of Central American integration.

Trajectory and regional consolidation

In more than seven decades, the Confederation has overcome moments of great challenges, always managing to keep alive the vision of an integrated regional public higher education.

A key milestone has been the development of the Regional Integration Plans for Higher Education (PIRESC), which have guided university cooperation since the 1960s. The current PIRESC V, approved in 2021 following the IX Central American University Congress, serves as the roadmap guiding programs in management, research, educational quality, student life, internationalization, community engagement, inter-university cooperation, and communication.

The work of CSUCA is structured through eight regional university systems:

  • The Central American System for Evaluation and Harmonization of Higher Education (SICEVAES) is the system that promotes a culture of quality and accreditation;
  • Central American and Caribbean Regional System for Research and Postgraduate Studies (SIRCIP), a system that strengthens research and postgraduate studies;
  • The Regional Student Life System (SIREVE) is the one that promotes student life and inclusion;
  • The Central American Higher Education Internationalization System (SIESCA) is the driving force behind university internationalization;
  • The Central American System of University-Society Relations (SICAUS) is the one that articulates the university-society relationship, through the promotion of university extension and linkage;
  • Integrated Central American Documentary Information System (SIIDCA), which integrates library and documentary systems;
  • The Central American University Publishing System (SEDUCA) coordinates university publishing production;
  • and the Regional System of University Information and Communication (SIREICU) was recently created to strengthen regional university communication.

These systems are not isolated structures, but active networks that allow the CSUCA agreements to be put into practice and shape projects that directly impact students, teachers, researchers and communities.

Remarks by the Secretary-General

During the commemoration, the Secretary General of CSUCA, MSc. Carlos Guillermo Alvarado Cerezo, stated, “Seventy-seven years ago, the Rectors who presided over our public universities at that time decided to unite to build a shared future. Today, that spirit of unity remains more relevant than ever. University integration is a living project that strengthens education, science, and culture as public goods at the service of our people. In a time marked by social, environmental, and technological challenges, we reinforce our commitment to promoting inclusive, innovative, and transformative higher education, capable of responding to the needs of Central America, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba.”

Commitment to inclusive science

On this 77th anniversary, CSUCA highlights the work that, together with strategic allies, promotes the development and strengthening of higher education, through various collaborative research projects, highlighting at this time the Project “Strengthening inclusive science and innovation systems in Latin America through a collaborative research network”, funded by the International Development Research Centre of Canada (IDRC).

The project, implemented under the coordination of CSUCA and with the support of the General Secretariat of the Central American Integration System (SICA), the Commission for Scientific and Technological Development of Central America and Panama (CTCAP) and the national science and technology agencies of the countries of the region, seeks to articulate the research-innovation-inclusion nexus, generating knowledge and solutions that respond to the needs of historically excluded groups.

In recent years, it has fostered the development of 16 consortia, and currently includes 13 collaborative research networks, as well as studies on gender and science funding. These efforts are especially focused on rural communities, indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, women, people with disabilities, and youth in Central America and the Dominican Republic, reaffirming CSUCA's commitment to transformative, equitable science that serves society.

A current mission

The mission of the Central American University Confederation is clear: to promote the development of public universities through cooperation and joint work with society and the State, acting under principles of commitment, solidarity, transparency, and equity. Its vision is to consolidate itself as a leading organization in regional university integration, promoting mobility, Central American cultural identity, and educational quality with social justice and sustainability.

LXIV General Assembly of SIRCIP

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, September 17-19, 2025

The Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) is hosting the Sixty-fourth General Assembly of the Central American and Caribbean Regional System of Research and Postgraduate Studies (SIRCIP), an organ of the Central American University Confederation (CSUCA) that strengthens, guides and coordinates research and postgraduate studies in the region, with an integrative vision and sustainable development.

SIRCIP's main objectives are to coordinate postgraduate studies and research in universities in the Central American and Caribbean region; promote academic integration through human talent management; foster quality and academic harmonization; and contribute to sustainable human development through professional training and research excellence.

Opening Ceremony

The assembly began with the opening ceremony in the Aula Magna of the UASD, with the participation of university and regional authorities.

In the words of MSc. Carlos Alvarado Cerezo, Secretary General of CSUCA, he highlighted the importance of this Assembly as a meeting of wills and commitments that give meaning to the regional mission: “Research and empowerment are engines of development, because they generate relevant knowledge to transform our environment and train researchers and professionals capable of leading innovation processes.”.

For his part, Magister Editrudis Beltrán Crisóstomo, Rector of the UASD, mentioned "May these events continue to be spaces to keep us united, updated and committed to the value of service to society that the knowledge emanating from our universities provides.".

Meanwhile, Dr. Alice Burgos, President of SIRCIP, noted, “Being gathered here at this SIRCIP assembly, your presence from our nine sister nations, strengthens the certainty that our university integration is a living, dynamic project committed to the future of the region,” adding that on this occasion she was unable to participate in person, but she is following up on the planned actions virtually.

Master lectures

The day includes three high-level keynote lectures, namely:

“Towards an inclusive, innovative higher education linked to regional development”, by Dr. Franklin García Fermín, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology of the Dominican Republic.

“Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Scientific Production: Management and Governance Framework for the Central American and Caribbean Region”, taught by MSc. Victoria Hernández, from the Development Observatory of the UCR.

“The CRIS system for managing information on research and postgraduate studies at the National University of Costa Rica: experience, usefulness, potential and challenges”, presented by MSc. Silvia Argüello, Vice-Rector of Research at UNA.

Reports and progress

During the sessions, reports are presented from the outgoing presidency of SIRCIP, the General Secretariat of CSUCA, and on the progress in organizing the VII Biennial Regional Meeting of Research and Postgraduate Studies, which will take place in 2025 at the University of San Carlos of Guatemala.

Also shared are the proposed regional research and postgraduate agenda, the reports of the permanent working committees, and the progress of strategic programs related to the research agenda, management capacities, innovation, internationalization, and open science.

COREP and CORI meetings

In the following days, the sessions of the Regional Postgraduate Council (COREP) and the Regional Research Council (CORI) take place, which work on strategic planning, the definition of regional postgraduate programs, micro-credentials, the regional research award and the articulation of scientific information systems.

The assembly will conclude with the presentation of joint reports from CORI and COREP, the appointment and renewal of members of the Technical Commission for Research and Postgraduate Studies (CTIP), and the validation of proposals regarding scientific publication policies and guidelines for the evaluation of regional programs.

With this Sixty-fourth Assembly, SIRCIP reaffirms its commitment to promoting academic excellence, strengthening inter-university cooperation and contributing to the sustainable human development of Central America and the Caribbean, through research and postgraduate training.

XXXVI SICAUS General Assembly

Guatemala City, September 11 and 12, 2025

The thirty-sixth Ordinary Regional Assembly of the Central American System of University-Society Relations (SICAUS) is being held at the facilities of the University of San Carlos of Guatemala.

The Regional University System of the Central American University Confederation (CSUCA), which, by its academic and technical nature, contributes to the processes of integration and regional development in a sustainable way through linkage activities that respond to the demands of society and the priorities of the member universities.

The session began with remarks from Dr. Lesbia Arrocha, President of SICAUS, who highlighted the importance of the work carried out by the system as part of university social service, its contribution to public policies and the 2030 Agenda. “SICAUS works through various committees to fulfill its stated aims and objectives. Furthermore, in a spirit of transparency and accountability, we have prepared a report reflecting the progress achieved.”, points out.

The opening ceremony featured the participation of Dr. Carmen Molina, Vice Minister of Extension at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology of the Dominican Republic, who cordially invited SICAUS members to participate in an upcoming event on best practices in extension being organized by her ministry. She also emphasized the importance of these types of forums for strengthening higher education in the region.

For his part, MSc. Carlos Alvarado Cerezo, Secretary General of CSUCA, called for strengthening collaborative work within SICAUS:“This is an opportune moment to reflect on the progress and challenges of the system, because while we have made significant strides in integrating our core functions, there is still a long way to go. This should be a space for reflection, where we continue working towards a high-quality, integrated, equitable, and inclusive public higher education system.”.

Likewise, Ms. Wendy López, Director of Extension at USAC, emphasized the university's social commitment: “We have a university social responsibility through sustained processes of social training, rooted in the realities of our communities. The university cannot simply act as a bearer of knowledge; citizen science challenges us to learn alongside communities and recognize their capacity to generate knowledge.”.

During the Assembly, the reports of the different commissions appointed in the previous session were presented, as well as the offer of free virtual courses: “Central America learns with public universities”, by Dr. Nery Caballero (UTP); “Teacher Update”, by Mtra. Inés Esquivel (UNACHI) and “Spaces for Dialogue and Exchange”, presented by Mtro. Marcelino Espinal (UNAG).

The proposal for the implementation of the Regional University Extension Award will also be addressed, which will be presented by Dr. Javier Ureña Picado (UNED), and the presentation of the SICAUS logo and institutional image, designed by Aracely Moreira (University of San Carlos of Guatemala), will be made official.

Among the topics under development are the election of the Board of Directors, the presentation of the Supervised Professional Practice Program by Ms. Flor de Abril Estrada (USAC), the proposal and analysis of reform to the SICAUS Regulations by Ms. Astrid Montero, and the analysis of the current situation of the universities of the Confederation, by Ms. Inés Esquivel (UNACHI).

The work agenda also includes a prospective analysis of the progress and setbacks of SICAUS in complying with PIRESC V and the declaration of the XXXVI Ordinary Assembly, with the aim of strengthening the commitment of Central American public universities to building higher education with social impact.

The XXXVI SICAUS Assembly reaffirms its commitment to promoting academic and scientific dialogue, strengthening the transfer of knowledge and university services, and consolidating inter-institutional cooperation for the benefit of the sustainable development of Central America and the Caribbean.