44 participants from 32 institutions gather at Universidade La Salle to strengthen the network as IALU continues to deliver on its Strategic Plan
CANOAS, Brazil, 6 November 2026. The International Association of La Salle Universities (IALU) is holding the XVI Extended Regional Meeting of Presidents and Rectors of the South America and Caribbean Region (Encuentro Ampliado Regional de Rectores) from 4 to 8 November 2026 at Universidade La Salle in Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul. This edition brings together 44 participants representing 32 institutions from 12 countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, France, Kenya, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, the Philippines, Spain and the United States.
Direct dialogue with the IALU Board
Before the Encuentro formally opened, the IALU Board met on 4 November with the rectors of the participating universities. The session gave university leaders an opportunity for direct contact with the Board, with every IALU region represented: President Dr. Josep M. Santos (La Salle-URL, Barcelona), Vice-President Br. Iñigo Riola, FSC (De La Salle University-Dasmariñas), and the Regional Directors for Africa, Asia, Europe and the Holy Land, Mexico, South and Central America, and the United States. Rectors were able to share their institutional priorities, raise questions and hear first-hand about the direction of the network.
A programme built around identity, innovation and cooperation
The academic programme opened on 5 November with institutional greetings from Br. Olavo José Dalvit, Visitor of the Brazil-Chile Province; Br. Cledes Casagrande, Rector of Universidade La Salle, the host institution; Dr. Josep Santos, President of IALU; and Br. Manuel Orozco, FSC, Regional President for South America and the Caribbean. The opening session reviewed the outcomes of the Bogotá 2024 and Nairobi 2025 meetings and looked ahead to 2027 as IALU continues to deliver on its Strategic Plan.
Over two days, rectors and senior leaders discussed what distinguishes La Salle universities and how that identity shapes institutional management; sustainable development, with a focus on agribusiness and sustainable agriculture; the challenges of accelerating innovation, including the PUCRS success case; international cooperation as part of the DNA of La Salle universities; the landscape of Brazilian higher education and the challenge of artificial intelligence; and outreach, university research and fundraising. A dedicated collaboration session with the rectors of Mexico allowed institutions to share practices and agree on joint actions. The meeting closes with the panel “New Advances and Outlook: the Network Makes Us Stronger”.
Participants also visited Grupo A in Porto Alegre, an ecosystem of technology and educational solutions for higher education, and will close the week with a cultural day in the Serra Gaúcha, including the Maria Fumaça steam train between Bento Gonçalves and Carlos Barbosa and a visit to Vinícola Aurora.
“Canoas showed what IALU is at its best: rectors from every continent sitting at the same table, speaking openly with the Board and with each other, and turning shared values into shared projects. As we continue to deliver on our Strategic Plan, this is the kind of network we are building,” said Prof. Carlos Frederico Coelho, Executive Director of IALU.
IALU thanks Universidade La Salle, its Rector, Br. Cledes Casagrande, and the organizing committee for their warm hospitality and for an impeccably organized meeting.
About IALU
The International Association of La Salle Universities (IALU) brings together more than 60 La Salle higher education institutions across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and North America. Inspired by the educational mission of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, IALU promotes cooperation, mobility, research and shared mission among its members.
Media contact: Executive Director Office, IALU · [email protected]