Paris, 20 February 2025. The Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE) has held two high-level meetings with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) at its headquarters in Paris over the past two days, with the aim of strengthening cooperation in the field of higher education and the internationalisation of universities. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with France Universités.
In the meeting held yesterday, 19 February, Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills at the OECD, presented the organisation’s key priorities, highlighting the importance of degree recognition and skills acquisition. One of the main topics discussed was the promotion of lifelong learning, a shared challenge for Spain and France, particularly in the area of adult education and workforce upskilling.
The working agenda resumed today, Thursday, with further bilateral meetings with the OECD, focusing on strategic issues for the future of higher education. In the first session, held with the OECD’s Talent Management Analysis team, comprising Martin Wassermann and Juliette Nickels, avenues for collaboration between Spanish universities and the organisation were explored. Among other aspects, discussions focused on opportunities for students to undertake internships at the OECD.
Micro-credentials in the context of the European system
Subsequently, the CRUE delegation met with Paulo Santiago, Head of the OECD’s Policy Advice and Implementation Division, and Simon Roy, leader of the Higher Education Policy team. During the session, discussions covered institutional funding, the adaptation of higher education to labour market needs, and educational inclusion. Topics included micro-credentials within the European higher education system and the impact of artificial intelligence on teaching and learning, from a European policy perspective.
The President of CRUE and Rector of Universitat Jaume I, Eva Alcón, emphasised the importance of international collaboration in advancing universities’ strategic development, underscoring the role of the OECD as «a key organisation for the internationalisation of universities, fostering collaboration within Europe and beyond».
The working sessions were attended by the Ambassador of Spain to the OECD, Ximo Puig, and the Spanish Education Counsellor to the OECD, UNESCO, and the Council of Europe, Alfredo Sancho. The President of CRUE was accompanied by Rosa Visiedo Claverol, Vice President of CRUE and Rector of Universidad CEU San Pablo; Amaya Mendikoetxea Pelayo, member of the Standing Committee, President’s Delegate for European Affairs, and Rector of Universidad Autónoma de Madrid; Francisco Oliva Blázquez, member of the Standing Committee and Rector of Universidad Pablo de Olavide; Nuria González Álvarez, member of the Standing Committee, President of CRUE-Sustainability, and Rector of Universidad de León; and Mª Teresa Lozano Mellado, Secretary General of CRUE.
