UNESCO-ICHEI Joined CLAERIA to Improve the Future of "AI + Agriculture"
Following a formal vote by more than 20 member universities from Latin America, the UNESCO International Centre for Higher Education Innovation (UNESCO-ICHEI) has officially joined the China-Latin America Agricultural Education and Research Innovation Alliance (CLAERIA). This milestone signifies a decisive step forward for UNESCO-ICHEI in deepening China-Latin America cooperation in agricultural higher education and accelerating the global digital transition in the agricultural sector.
UNESCO-ICHEI has officially joined CLAERIA
A Powerful Partnership: Strengthening China-Latin America Agri-Education
To date, the Alliance comprises dozens of universities, research institutes, and leading enterprises from both regions, standing as a premier model for South-South cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Deepening Collaboration: From Strategic Dialogue to Official Membership
UNESCO-ICHEI's international influence in the digital transformation of higher education, coupled with the resource advantages of the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) and its "AI + Agricultural Technology" initiatives, earned high recognition from member universities, leading to its successful admission via a majority vote.
Ms. BI Xiaohan (first from left), Deputy Director of UNESCO-ICHEI, and her delegation visit SCAU on January 9, 2026
Future Outlook: Scaling "AI + Agriculture" in Latin America
UNESCO-ICHEI maintains a strong focus on the convergence of AI with frontier industries and educational sustainability, consistently advancing the development of application-oriented micro-certification courses tailored to real-world scenarios.
Moving forward, UNESCO-ICHEI will leverage the IIOE ecosystem to implement the following strategic priorities within the Alliance:
I. Advancing Digital and Intelligent Talent Cultivation
Utilizing the IIOE platform and its micro-certification programmes, UNESCO-ICHEI will collaborate with Alliance members to develop curricula and training programmes focused on AI + Agri-Tech, digital transformation in agriculture, smart farming, and agricultural data application, empowering faculty and students with essential digital and AI competencies.
II. Facilitating Global Sharing of Agri-Education Resources
Capitalizing on IIOE’s infrastructure, UNESCO-ICHEI will promote the co-construction of online courses, case studies, and joint training modules between Chinese and Latin American universities, enhancing the accessibility and impact of high-quality agricultural education resources.
III. Integrating Agri-Tech Innovation with Higher Education
By aligning with member strengths in R&D and regional cooperation, UNESCO-ICHEI will explore new models where education empowers innovation. By integrating the educational innovation experience of higher education institutions, UNESCO-ICHEI aims to provide intellectual support and decision-making references for the green, digital, and intelligent development of agriculture in both regions.
IV. Expanding Multilateral Networks and Capacity Building
UNESCO-ICHEI will continue to build multilateral platforms for experience exchange and policy dialogue. By co-hosting forums, workshops, and international exchange programs, UNESCO-ICHEI aims to transition China-LatAm agricultural cooperation from project-based activities toward a long-term, institutionalized mechanism.
UNESCO-ICHEI looks forward to this partnership as an opportunity to establish closer, more pragmatic, and sustainable ties with all CLAERIA members. We will explore new pathways for international cooperation in agricultural education and contribute to the realization of the shared vision for agricultural innovation, youth empowerment, and sustainable development across China and Latin America.
