The HECEET

Globally, corruption, unethical behavior and inequity represent major obstacles to achieving rigorous democracy, economic wealth, and human well-being for all. Our countries are currently facing three crises that stand in the way of progress and prosperity: i) a pandemic that has impacted all sectors of society globally and presents enormous challenges to security, human health, welfare, education and the role of government; ii) inequality and lack of social inclusion that marginalizes entire sectors of the population; iii) an economic recession that is leaving millions of people out of work and generating immense inequalities between countries.

Paraguay has been working on systemic processes to democratize its society and create public structures sustained by ethics, transparency, equity and the rule of law.

Universities play an important role in building the capacity of citizens as they assume the role of developers of human capital, discoverers of new practices and disseminators of knowledge through teaching, learning, research and extension.

The Higher Education Center for Ethics, Equity and Transparency (HECEET) emerges as an opportunity to complement the institutional mission of UNA, and to be an anchor for an initiative aimed at optimizing the capacity of four sectors: government and legislative officials, K-12 school leaders, private sector and NGOs, and Higher Education leadership, including the National University of Asuncion. HECEET is evolving as the vehicle and platform to strengthen Paraguay’s capacity to build and sustain a new society that builds a new order that is anchored in values and a collective commitment to a just society with the capacity to preserve the «common good» and capitalize on its resources to innovate, discover, build capacity and solve problems.

We envision HECEET as a catalyst for transformation that anchors Paraguay’s quest for an ethical, equitable and transparent society where access to justice, due process and fair laws and processes are fundamental. And what better place than the University to lead this effort in collaboration with government and legislative officials and public institutions, the K-12 sector, NGOs and the private sector. This level of multi-sectoral engagement is at the core of our work as we implement a series of programs that will highlight ways in which we can strengthen civil society in Paraguay. We invite everyone to participate in the change and innovative practices that are the foundations of democratic society where participation, partnerships and the rule of law become the anchors for progress.

Sincerely,