National Council of Higher Education

Overview

The Consejo Nacional de Educación Superior (CONES) is the national regulatory body responsible for overseeing and coordinating higher education in Paraguay. Established by Law No. 4995 in 2013, CONES aims to ensure the quality, accessibility, and relevance of higher education institutions across the country. It serves as a central authority in shaping educational policies, accrediting institutions, and promoting academic excellence in alignment with national development goals.

History and Legal Framework

CONES was created through the enactment of Law No. 4995 in 2013, which restructured the higher education landscape in Paraguay. This legislation consolidated various functions related to higher education under a single entity, granting CONES the authority to regulate, accredit, and supervise universities and higher education institutions. The establishment of CONES marked a significant step toward modernizing and standardizing higher education in Paraguay, ensuring that institutions operate in accordance with national educational standards and contribute effectively to the country's development.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

CONES' mission is to propose and coordinate policies and programs that guarantee quality higher education for all citizens, in line with national development plans and for the common good. Its vision is to forge a higher education system that meets the needs of the country and contributes to the advancement of society. The main objectives of CONES include:

• Establishing and enforcing standards for higher education institutions.
• Accrediting and evaluating the quality of academic programs.
• Promoting academic mobility and international cooperation.
• Ensuring equitable access to higher education opportunities.
• Fostering innovation and research within the higher education sector.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

CONES operates as an autonomous public institution under the Ministry of Education and Sciences of Paraguay. Its governance structure comprises a plenary council, which includes representatives from various sectors, including the government, universities, and civil society. The council is responsible for making decisions on policies, regulations, and strategic initiatives. The executive functions of CONES are carried out by a president and a team of professionals who implement the council's decisions and manage day-to-day operations. This structure ensures that CONES operates independently while remaining accountable to the public and aligned with national educational objectives.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

CONES plays a pivotal role in the accreditation and quality evaluation of higher education institutions in Paraguay. It establishes criteria for institutional accreditation and program evaluation, ensuring that universities and colleges meet established standards of quality. Through its accreditation processes, CONES aims to enhance the credibility and competitiveness of Paraguayan higher education institutions both nationally and internationally. Additionally, CONES supports the development of a national credit system, facilitating student mobility and the recognition of academic qualifications across institutions.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

CONES actively engages in international cooperation to enhance the quality and global standing of Paraguayan higher education. It participates in various regional and international networks, fostering partnerships with educational bodies in Latin America and beyond. These collaborations aim to promote academic exchange, joint research initiatives, and the sharing of best practices in higher education. Through its involvement in international networks, CONES seeks to align Paraguay's higher education system with global trends and standards, benefiting students, faculty, and institutions alike.

Current and Future Impact on Higher Education

CONES continues to influence the development of higher education in Paraguay through its strategic initiatives and reforms. Recent efforts include the implementation of a national credit system, which standardizes academic credits across institutions and facilitates student mobility. Looking forward, CONES plans to further modernize the higher education sector by enhancing digital infrastructure, promoting research and innovation, and ensuring that educational programs align with the evolving needs of the labor market. These initiatives aim to strengthen the role of higher education in driving national development and preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century.

Summary

The Consejo Nacional de Educación Superior (CONES) is a key institution in Paraguay's higher education landscape, responsible for regulating, accrediting, and overseeing universities and higher education institutions. Established by Law No. 4995 in 2013, CONES works to ensure that higher education in Paraguay meets national standards of quality and contributes to the country's development goals. Through its governance structure, accreditation processes, and international collaborations, CONES plays a vital role in shaping the future of higher education in Paraguay.

FAQs

1. What is the role of CONES in Paraguay's higher education system?
   CONES regulates and coordinates higher education in Paraguay, ensuring that institutions meet quality standards and contribute to national development.
2. How does CONES accredit higher education institutions?
   CONES establishes criteria for accreditation and conducts evaluations to assess whether institutions and programs meet established quality standards.
3. Is CONES involved in international collaborations?
   Yes, CONES participates in regional and international networks, fostering partnerships to enhance the quality and global standing of Paraguayan higher education.
4. What recent initiatives has CONES undertaken?
   CONES has implemented a national credit system to standardize academic credits and facilitate student mobility across institutions.
5. How can institutions collaborate with CONES?
   Institutions can engage with CONES by adhering to accreditation processes, participating in quality evaluations, and collaborating on initiatives that align with national educational objectives.

Organization Name

National Council of Higher Education
Consejo Nacional de Educación Superior

Acronym

CONES

Year of Establishment

1992

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Piribebuy N° 460 casi Alberdi
Asunción
Asunción Paraguay

Phone

+595 ( 21) 450 927

Fax

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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National Council of Higher Education's Facebook page

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National Council of Higher Education's X page

LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Instagram

National Council of Higher Education's Instagram page

Wikipedia Article

Not available

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