The States of Latin America and the Caribbean, Parties to the present Convention,
Considering the close bonds of solidarity that unite them, expressed in the cultural
sphere by the conclusion among them of numerous bilateral, sub-regional or regional
agreements;
Desirous of strengthening and increasing their co-operation in matters relating to
education and the use of human resources and with the aim of promoting the maximum
integration of the area, of encouraging knowledge and safeguarding the cultural identity
of its peoples, as well as of achieving a constant and gradual improvement in the
quality of education and contribution to their firm resolve to foster economic, social
and cultural development and full employment in each country of the region and in
the region as a whole;
Convinced that, as part of this co-operation, the international recognition of studies,
diplomas and degrees, which would ensure the greater mobility of students and persons
engaged in an occupation within the region, is not only advisable but also a highly
positive factor in accelerating the development of the region, since it implies that
increasing numbers of scientists, technicians and specialists would be trained and
their services fully utilized;
Reaffirming the principles set forth in agreements for cultural co-operation already
concluded between them, and resolved to ensure their more effective application at
the regional level, and to take into consideration the existence and validity of new
ideas expressed in the recommendations and conclusions adopted in this connection
by the competent organs of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization, particularly in all that relates to the promotion of life-long education,
the democratization of education, the adoption and application of an educational policy
that will take account of structural, economic and technological developments, of
social and political change, and of cultural contexts;
Convinced that, in order to meet the needs of their countries in a dynamic and permanent
manner, educational systems must be closely linked to plans for economic and social
development;
Conscious of the need to take into consideration, when applying criteria for the evaluation
of a person's qualifications for admission to higher levels of education or for the
occupations, not only the diplomas, certificates or degrees he has obtained, but also
the knowledge and experience he has acquired;
Having in mind that the recognition by all the Contracting States of studies completed
and diplomas, certificates and degrees obtained in any one of them is an effective
instrument for:
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(a) making the best use of the educational facilities of the Region,
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(b) ensuring the highest degree of mobility of teachers, students, research workers and
members of the professions within the Region,
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(c) overcoming the difficulties encountered by persons who return to their country of
origin after receiving an education abroad,
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(d) bringing about the fullest and most effective use of the human resources of the region
with a view to ensuring full employment and preventing the migration of talent to
highly industrialized countries;
Resolved to organize and strengthen their future co-operation in this respect by means
of a regional convention which would be the starting point for dynamic action carried
out, in the main, through national and regional bodies set up for that purpose,