The International Baccalaureate (IB) has formalized a framework of cooperation with the Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture (OEI), strengthening the organizations’ existing relationship in support of education initiatives throughout OEI member states.
Signed at the OEI General Secretariat in Madrid on 7 October, the agreement provides a framework for the two organizations to identify, develop and expand opportunities for joint work, and to support projects and activities of mutual interest.
The agreement was signed by Mariano Jabonero, Secretary General of the OEI, and Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General of the IB, at an event also attended by Ana Capilla, Director General for Higher Education and Science at the OEI, and Dr Maripe Menendez, Director of LATAM, Portugal and Spain at the IB.
“The alignment of interests and objectives between the OEI and the IB makes this agreement a natural bridge for continuing to work together,” said Mariano Jabonero. “We share a commitment to contributing to quality education and creating new opportunities for cooperation in Ibero-America, bringing together knowledge and experience to drive initiatives that will undoubtedly have a positive impact on our education systems.”
The OEI has previously supported IB implementation in Panama, where it funded the roll-out of the Diploma Programme (DP) at a school within the country’s public education system. The OEI also assisted the IB in delivering a "train-the-trainer" learning experience for 150 training specialists from Panama’s Ministry of Education, equipping them to lead professional learning for educators in the country.
“This agreement builds on a strong foundation of collaboration and opens the door to even greater opportunities to support educators and learners across Ibero-America,” said Olli-Pekka Heinonen. “By bringing together the expertise, networks and experience of the OEI and the IB, we can strengthen education initiatives, share knowledge and contribute to high-quality education across the region.”
The OEI is an international governmental organization that promotes cooperation among Ibero-American countries in education, science, technology and culture. Its 23 member states are currently home to 988 IB World Schools, offering 1,483 programmes, creating significant avenues to deepen collaboration between both organizations The agreement also creates opportunities to engage with universities, research centres and higher education institutions across the region, and to develop joint initiatives that support knowledge sharing, webinars, workshops, meetings, and other areas of mutual interest.
The IB is committed to continuing its collaboration with key stakeholders and government bodies, bringing high-quality education to the Ibero-America region.
 has formalized a framework of cooperation with the Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture (OEI), strengthening the organizations’ existing relationship in support of education initiatives throughout OEI member states. ){kind=icon}