The recently established National Network of Alumni Representatives before the Higher Councils of Public Universities in Colombia has emerged as a fundamental pillar in defending public education and advocating for the much-needed reform of Law 30.

The University of Cauca played a leading role in the National Meeting of Alumni Representatives of Public Universities, held on July 24 and 25, 2025, in northern Colombia, at the facilities of the Industrial University of Santander (UIS). This crucial event brought together leaders from across the country to chart a common path toward strengthening public higher education, recognizing the central role of those who have walked through its classrooms.

From this meeting, the National Network of Alumni Representatives before the Higher Councils of Public Universities was born with strength and conviction. This collective of professionals reaffirms its unwavering commitment to actively participate in the decisions that define the future of higher education in Colombia.

“Those of us who represent alumni before the Higher Councils of public universities have been democratically elected by our university communities. This legitimacy commits us to the responsibility of acting as spokespersons for thousands of professionals trained in our institutions, with the firm purpose of continuing to contribute to the development of public universities and the country,” reads the statement issued from the meeting.

Photo: Rector of the University of Cauca and leaders of different organizations

The document outlines several high-impact proposals, including the need to explore the creation of a formal alumni representation within the National Higher Education Council (CESU); ensuring alumni representatives’ participation in legislative and executive spaces where crucial aspects of higher education are debated, especially in the context of the reform of Law 30 of 1992; and finally, promoting an official meeting between the Ministry of National Education and delegates of the National Network of Alumni Representatives to share contributions and forge effective collaboration.

Regarding this initiative, Unicaucano lawyer and political scientist Fredy Palechor Palechor, current Alumni Representative to the Higher Council of our Alma Mater, emphasized the importance of this role: “We are aware of the role of alumni, of the role of public higher education as a social elevator and its importance for the country’s development. Without it, many would surely not hold a professional degree.” With deep conviction, he added: “Public universities change lives, I am certain of that. Our story is the story of many. In a department where violence has long been the breeding ground for those who cling to transforming life and territory through fear and weapons, there are those of us who believe that territory, our lives, those of our families, and those of our communities can be transformed through education.”

Photograph: First Unicaucano Alumni Day

This national initiative responds to the urgent need to coordinate efforts, something that until now had not reached the necessary scope. For this reason, initiatives such as the National Network of Alumni Representatives before the Higher Councils of Public Universities become part of the answer, together with valuable internal efforts such as the First Unicaucano Alumni Day (which seeks to become an institutional tradition) and Agreement 051 of 2024 (which guarantees the participation of administrative staff as permanent guests before the Higher Council).

Without a doubt, important and much-needed steps are being taken, strengthening the defense of public education and university democracy through the active participation of all its sectors.

 

Written by: Communications Management Center