Human-centred purpose, real impact and visible regional excellence
The THE Latin America Universities Summit 2027 marks the summit’s 10th anniversary with a focus on the questions currently defining higher education leadership in the region: purpose in an AI-enabled world, institutional value under pressure and the uneven global visibility of Latin American knowledge.
The summit convenes Rectors, Presidents, Vice-Chancellors, Ministers, senior policymakers and industry leaders to shape what comes next for the region’s universities.
Keynotes, case studies and leadership and task-based sessions will explore how universities can harness AI and emerging technologies, strengthen institutional well-being, resilience and integrity, and position Latin American research and graduates for greater international recognition.
This anniversary edition also features the exclusive live reveal of the THE Latin America University Rankings 2027, alongside data masterclasses and performance insight sessions to help institutions benchmark themselves and identify concrete routes to improvement.
attendees
organisations and universities
speakers
Themes the agenda will focus on
Purpose in an AI-enabled world
As AI reshapes curricula and assessment, universities must define what remains uniquely human in higher education: judgement, character formation, ethical reasoning and service to society.
These sessions examine how institutions re-articulate their missions and redesign teaching so that degrees are anchored in human development rather than information delivery alone.
From experimentation to strategy
AI has moved beyond isolated pilots. Universities now need coherent strategies that align governance, policy, investment and staff development.
These sessions focus on major questions of leadership and institutional design – responsible-use frameworks, new roles and structures, data and quality assurance, and how to move from scattered innovation to sustained, whole-institution transformation.
Proving value under pressure
Declining student cohorts, tighter budgets and shifting labour market expectations are putting degree value under greater scrutiny.
These sessions explore how universities demonstrate impact through graduate outcomes, employability, lifelong learning offers and community engagement, while rethinking funding and programme models, and strengthening institutional well-being, resilience and integrity to sustain mission and quality in challenging times.
Closing the visibility gap
Latin America produces substantial research, yet too little shapes global debates.
These sessions address the “visibility gap” through collaboration, open science, indexing, regional platforms and a stronger shared Latin American voice. They focus on practical pathways, from institutional partnerships to data-driven strategies, that increase recognition, citations and policy impact.
Key reasons to attend
Build an actionable AI strategy for your institution
Learn how to move beyond isolated AI pilots to institution-wide adoption. Take away practical approaches to setting AI policies, allocating investment, training staff and deciding how responsibility should be shared between central leadership and faculties.
Establish strategic partnerships across Latin America
Connect with university leaders, regional associations and industry decision-makers to explore cross-border collaborations, shared research opportunities and new approaches to institutional development.
Strengthen your institution’s performance and long-term sustainability
Discover how to improve graduate employability, diversify income and increase research visibility, with practical approaches to aligning curricula with labour market needs and raising the international profile of your research.
Highlights from 2026 in Barranquilla
Universities and organisations that attended
Why delegates return year after year
Apply to attend
To celebrate the 10th edition of the THE Latin America Universities Summit, attendance is complimentary for approved applicants. Apply to join higher education leaders from across the region in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Places are intended for university leaders, higher education professionals, policymakers and relevant industry representatives.
Apply to attend
<p>Thank you, your details have been successfully submitted.</p>
Partners
Opportunities to get involved
Attend as a delegate
Gain practical insights from global higher education leaders, connect with peers and partners across the sector, discover innovative solutions and stay ahead of emerging issues. RegisterApply to attend.
Speak in a session
Our high-quality speakers are essential to ensuring our events engage audiences and provide relevant, up-to-date and innovative content for our delegates. Submit a speaker application.
Join as a partner
Strategically engage with your target audience by exposing your brand, industry knowledge and thought leadership to the global higher education community. Explore opportunities.
Copyright © 2027 Times Higher Education (THE). All rights reserved.
.png)
