Ireland ratifies UNESCO convention on higher education
Ireland has officially ratified the UNESCO Global Convention on recognising higher education qualifications, enhancing international academic cooperation. The announcement was made during the Bologna Follow-Up Group meeting held at Croke Park, highlighting Ireland’s growing role in European education.
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, confirmed Ireland’s ratification of the UNESCO Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education. This significant achievement was announced during the opening of the 101st Bologna Follow-Up Group meeting at Croke Park on 5 November 2026.
Minister Lawless emphasised that ratifying the Convention marks a major milestone for Ireland’s higher education system and international engagement. It reflects the country’s commitment to fair, transparent and globally consistent recognition of academic qualifications, facilitating easier recognition of learners’ achievements across borders. As internationalisation in higher education grows, this Convention will promote student mobility, strengthen academic partnerships, and expand opportunities for learners both in Ireland and worldwide.
Leila Loupis, Senior Programme Specialist at UNESCO, welcomed Ireland’s ratification, stating it contributes significantly to equity, inclusion, and lifelong learning by making the right to higher education more accessible. Additionally, Minister Lawless announced Ireland’s government approval to become a founding member of the new Long-Term Secretariat for the European Higher Education Area, which will support sustainable governance and cooperation across Europe’s higher education landscape.
Minister Lawless emphasised that ratifying the Convention marks a major milestone for Ireland’s higher education system and international engagement. It reflects the country’s commitment to fair, transparent and globally consistent recognition of academic qualifications, facilitating easier recognition of learners’ achievements across borders. As internationalisation in higher education grows, this Convention will promote student mobility, strengthen academic partnerships, and expand opportunities for learners both in Ireland and worldwide.
Leila Loupis, Senior Programme Specialist at UNESCO, welcomed Ireland’s ratification, stating it contributes significantly to equity, inclusion, and lifelong learning by making the right to higher education more accessible. Additionally, Minister Lawless announced Ireland’s government approval to become a founding member of the new Long-Term Secretariat for the European Higher Education Area, which will support sustainable governance and cooperation across Europe’s higher education landscape.
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