Higher education is an essential driver of human development. Higher education institutions contribute to the development of modern economies by training the future workforce with relevant skills and knowledge, as well as driving innovation and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, higher education institutions can act as safe spaces where societal issues and transformations are discussed, and ideas disseminated. Government policies can also enhance the contribution of higher education to national and international development through of informed policy making.
International aid for higher education
International aid has the potential to accelerate higher education access and equity in developing countries. The international community has organized multiple conferences and created a set of general standards that could lead to efficient international aid outcomes. However, specific evidence around international aid targeting tertiary education (TE) has been limited. UNESCO IESALC’s 2022 report explores this topic for the first time through the existing internationally comparable data, identifying recent developments and current trends, while providing recommendations for a more efficient aid provision.
The Role of Higher Education Policies within National Development
Multiannual National Development Plans are key instruments for establishing a vision, a narrative, and a strategy on how to integrate the different areas of policymaking into a cohesive horizon. But, to which extent is higher education being integrated in these documents? How do countries frame their higher education goals? Do targets and indicators accompany these goals? UNESCO IESALC’s upcoming report (2024) compares the NDP of 66 countries, identifying trends, good practices and gaps in their integration of higher education within the wider development strategies.