Ireland ratifies UNESCO Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications
Minister Lawless announces Ireland’s ratification of the UNESCO Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, today marked Ireland’s ratification of the UNESCO Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education.
Speaking following his opening remarks at the European Higher Education Area’s Bologna Follow-Up Group (BFUG) meeting in Croke Park this morning, Minister Lawless said: “I’m happy to announce that Ireland has now ratified the UNESCO Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education. Becoming a party to this Convention has been an ambition of my Department, and Ireland is delighted that this milestone has been achieved during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
“Ireland’s ratification of this Convention is a significant milestone for our higher education system and for our international engagement. It demonstrates Ireland’s commitment to fair, transparent and globally consistent recognition practices, making it easier for learners and graduates to have their achievements recognised across borders. As higher education becomes increasingly international, this Convention will support greater mobility, strengthen academic cooperation and enhance opportunities for learners in Ireland and around the world."
Leila Loupis, Senior Programme Specialist from UNESCO said: “UNESCO warmly welcomes Ireland’s ratification of the Global Convention. The recognition of qualifications is not a technical formality; it is one of the conditions that make the right to higher education a reality for millions of learners. By ratifying the Global Convention, Ireland is making a concrete contribution to equity, inclusion and lifelong learning for all.”
Minister Lawless added: “Ratifying this Convention sends a clear message that Ireland is open, connected and confident in the quality of its higher education system. It will help Irish qualifications gain recognition worldwide, support student mobility and strengthen Ireland’s position as an international hub for talented students, researchers and skilled professionals.”
The BFUG meeting is the 101st meeting since the commencement of the Bologna Process. Taking place in Croke Park on 5–6 November, the meeting brings together senior officials from Bologna Process member states, representatives of the European Commission and consultative member organisations with a focus on enhancing cooperation across the European Higher Education Area.
Delegates will examine a range of areas shaping higher education policy across Europe, including internationalisation and mobility in higher education; revisions to the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance; agreement on a new ECTS Users’ Guide; and the establishment of a new Long-Term Secretariat to support and strengthen the operation of the BFUG and its working structures. Future strategic priorities for inter-governmental cooperation in the field of higher education to 2030 and beyond will also be discussed.
At the meeting, Minister Lawless also announced that Government had approved Ireland’s participation as a founding member of the new Long-Term Secretariat for the European Higher Education Area. Addressing delegates, he said: “It is my pleasure to announce that the Government of Ireland has approved Ireland’s participation as a founding member of the European Higher Education Area Long-Term Secretariat. This provides an important opportunity for Ireland to contribute to the development of stronger and more sustainable governance structures within the European Higher Education Area.”
