Executive Summary
The III Ibero-American Cooperation Quadrennial Action Plan (PACCI) 2023-2026, approved at the XXVIII Ibero-American Summit, sets a comprehensive framework to advance sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda across 22 member countries. Building on lessons from previous cycles, the plan introduces eight strategic axes: strengthening cooperation systems, social cohesion, knowledge, gender equality, culture, environment, justice and public innovation, and sustainable productive transformation. It emphasizes cross-cutting approaches such as bilingualism, gender, non-discrimination, environmental sustainability, and enhanced visibility. The PACCI prioritizes inclusive policies for vulnerable groups, health, digitalization, environmental action, and gender mainstreaming. Governance improvements, robust monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms are established to ensure alignment, accountability, and measurable progress. The plan fosters multi-level, multi-stakeholder partnerships, aiming to consolidate Ibero-American Cooperation as a regional benchmark for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Characteristics
- Comprehensive, Multi-Axis Plan: The III PACCI (2023-2026) is a strategic, four-year action plan for Ibero-American Cooperation, covering eight major axes: cooperation system, social cohesion, knowledge, gender, culture, environment, justice/public innovation/citizenship, and sustainable development/productive transformation.
- Cross-Cutting Approaches: The plan mainstreams five cross-cutting approaches—bilingualism, gender, non-discrimination/multiculturalism/vulnerable groups, environmental sustainability, and visibility/communication—across all actions and axes.
- Results-Based, Participatory Governance: Developed through consensus among 22 member countries, the plan emphasizes results-based management, participatory planning, and robust follow-up and evaluation mechanisms, including annual and biennial operating plans and a strong indicator system.
- Focus on SDGs and Inclusivity: The PACCI aligns closely with the UN 2030 Agenda, prioritizing the achievement of SDGs, especially through inclusive policies for vulnerable groups (indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, persons with disabilities, elderly, migrants, youth) and gender equality.
- Strengthened Institutional Coordination: It enhances coordination among Ibero-American organizations, sectoral networks, and external partners, with SEGIB as the technical secretariat, and promotes multi-level, multi-stakeholder cooperation, including public-private and civil society engagement.
- Innovation and Adaptability: The plan introduces new areas (health, legal cooperation, digital transformation, environmental action) and adapts to emerging challenges (post-pandemic recovery, climate change, technological shifts), aiming for continuous improvement through mid-term and final external evaluations.
Actors
Civil Society Actors
Economic Actors
Political Actors
Research and Innovation Actors
Practical Applications
- Implementation of the Ibero-American Cooperation Quadrennial Action Plan (PACCI) 2023-2026, approved at the XXVIII Ibero-American Summit, which sets out eight strategic axes and cross-cutting approaches for regional cooperation.
- Ongoing operation and strengthening of Programs, Initiatives and Ascribed Projects (PIPAs), which are intergovernmental cooperation exercises among Ibero-American countries, coordinated and technically supported by SEGIB.
- Regular publication and dissemination of the Report on South-South and Triangular Cooperation in Ibero-America, based on data from the Ibero-American Integrated Data System on South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SIDICSS), with 14 editions published and a new biennial cycle established.
- Maintenance and development of the Ibero-American South-South and Triangular Cooperation Data Platform (www.informesursur.org) and SIDICSS, providing open access to data on nearly 10,000 cooperation actions since 2006.
- Ongoing training and technical assistance sessions for Ibero-American countries on the use of SIDICSS and results-based management, delivered by SEGIB and PIFCSS.
- Active partnerships and joint projects with the European Union, including the “Generation of knowledge and new instruments in EU-LAC Triangular Cooperation” project under the Adelante Program, with a 30-month grant contract signed in December 2021.
- Strengthening of the Strategic Management Committee of Ibero-American Organizations (CODEI), which coordinates the work of OEI, OISS, OIJ, and COMJIB, to align sectoral actions and promote joint planning and transparency.
- Operation of the Registry of Ibero-American Networks, which registers and supports networks working in prioritized cooperation areas, and provides capacity-building and knowledge-sharing activities.
- Implementation of the Ibero-American Action Plan for the Implementation of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including support for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032.
- Consolidation and regular convening of the Ibero-American Forum on Migration and Development, with four editions held (Ecuador 2008, El Salvador 2010, Guatemala 2018, Portugal 2023) to promote dialogue and best practices on migration.
- Launch and development of the Ibero-American Epidemiological Observatory (OEPI), a multi-stakeholder platform for health data, research, and response, as mandated by the XXVII Ibero-American Summit.
- Implementation of the Ibero-American Framework for Academic Mobility – Campus Iberoamérica, including a digital platform and a growing network of associated institutions and programs.
- Operation of the Ibero-American System for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (SIACES), including the Ibero-American Registry of Accredited Programs and the Ibero-American Quality Seal of Virtual Teaching.
- Implementation of the Ibero-American Innovation Strategy (EII), with the establishment of a Technical Committee and Advisory Committee, and the design of five innovation missions (food, climate change/environment, digitalization/AI, health, energy transition).
- Implementation of the Ibero-American Strategy for the Digital Transformation of Higher Education (EITDES), including biennial plans and the development of a digital quality seal.
- Execution of the Ibero-American Strategy for Culture and Sustainable Development (EICDS), aligning cultural policies with the 2030 Agenda and supporting 12 cultural cooperation programs and one initiative.
- Promotion of the Strategic Plan for Ibero-American Cultural and Creative Industries, supporting capacity-building and digital platforms for the sector.
- Convening of the Conference of Ibero-American Water Directors (CODIA) and strengthening of its initiatives on integrated water resources and disaster risk management.
- Promotion of the Ibero-American Environmental Charter, approved at the XXVIII Ibero-American Summit, consolidating regional commitments on climate and environment.
- Support for the Voluntary Coalition for the Progressive Closure of Dumpsites and other technical networks addressing pollution, waste management, and marine debris.
- Regular organization of the Ibero-American Public Innovation Week and support for Civic Innovation Labs and the CIVICS mapping tool for civic innovation initiatives.
- Biennial Operating Plans (POBs) for 2023-2024 and 2025-2026, detailing activities, budgets, responsible areas, and indicators for PACCI implementation, approved by the Heads of Cooperation.
- Annual follow-up reports on PACCI implementation, prepared by SEGIB and submitted to the Heads of Cooperation.
- Implementation of the Strategic Plan for the Visibility of Ibero-American Cooperation (PEVCI), including the Somos Iberoamérica portal, Ibero-American Cooperation Week, and the Network of Communication Focal Points.
- External mid-term and final evaluations of PACCI, with lessons learned used for future planning and accountability.
Resulting Commitments
- The III PACCI covers the period 2023-2026, setting a four-year implementation deadline for its strategic axes and actions.
- The Report on South-South and Triangular Cooperation in Ibero-America will be prepared on a biennial basis and presented every two years at the Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government.
- Heads of Cooperation must hold at least one meeting per year with Country Representatives in Programs and Initiatives (REPPIs) to ensure coordination.
- The III PACCI will be implemented through two Biennial Operating Plans (POBs): 2023-2024 and 2025-2026, each including activities, budgets, execution schedules, and targets/indicators.
- SEGIB will prepare an annual follow-up report on the implementation of the PACCI, to be submitted to the Heads of Cooperation.
- An external mid-term evaluation of the III PACCI will be carried out during the implementation period, and a final external evaluation will be delivered at the end of the 2023-2026 cycle.
- The Ibero-American Action Plan for the Implementation of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples will contribute to the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032.
- The International Decade for People of African Descent 2015-2024 is referenced as a framework for action, with the possibility of a second decade being declared.
- The Ibero-American Epidemiological Observatory (OEPI) will be launched to strengthen health emergency response capacities, with specific objectives aligned to SDG 3.
- The Ibero-American Charter on Principles and Rights in Digital Environments was approved at the XXVIII Ibero-American Summit (2023).
- The Ibero-American Strategy for the Digital Transformation of Higher Education will be implemented through biennial plans for each two-year period.
- The Ibero-American Innovation Strategy (EII) will be implemented through the constitution of a Technical Committee and Advisory Committee, and the design and implementation of five innovation missions: food; climate change and environment; digitalization and artificial intelligence; health; and energy transition.
- The Ibero-American System for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (SIACES) has created the Ibero-American Registry of Accredited Programs and the Ibero-American Quality Seal of Virtual Teaching.
- The Ibero-American Environmental Charter was approved at the XXVIII Ibero-American Summit (2023), consolidating high-level political commitment to environmental and climate challenges.
- The Ibero-American Forum on Migration and Development has held four editions: 2008, 2010, 2018, and 2023, with a commitment to further consolidation.
- The Ibero-American Digital Forum will be organized to define and promote the Digital Agenda, including the implementation of specific actions in Digital Society.
- The III Strategic Plan for the Visibility of Ibero-American Cooperation (PEVCI) will be designed and implemented for 2023-2026, with specific content creation and communication actions.
Technical Details
Scope
Multilateral
Lead Country
N/A
Policy & Strategic Alignment
EU Policy Alignment
SDG Alignment
Beneficiary Groups
Afro-descendant Groups
Indigenous Peoples & Ethnic Groups
Indigenous Communities
Indigenous Peoples & Ethnic Groups
Migrants
Migrants & Refugees
Persons with Disabilities
Persons with Disabilities
Women in Tech
Women & Girls
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Annual Coordination Meetings between Heads of Cooperation and REPPIs
Heads of Cooperation (RCs)
Governance/Program Management
Annual PACCI Implementation Follow-up Reports
SEGIB
Governance/Monitoring & Evaluation
Biennial Reporting on South-South and Triangular Cooperation
SEGIB (with PIFCSS support)
International Cooperation
Consolidation of Ibero-American Cooperation as Regional Benchmark
SEGIB and Ibero-American member countries
Governance/Multilateral Cooperation
Establishment of Ibero-American Epidemiological Observatory
SEGIB, national health authorities, OEPI partners
Health
Gender Mainstreaming in Cultural Cooperation
SEGIB, Ministries of Culture, Cultural Cooperation Programs
Culture/Gender
Implementation of Climate Change Actions
Relevant ministries, SEGIB, international organizations
Environment/Climate Change
Implementation of Results-Based Monitoring System
SEGIB
Governance/Monitoring & Evaluation
Number of South-South and Triangular Cooperation Initiatives Registered in SIDICSS
SEGIB and PIFCSS
International Cooperation/Data Management
Promotion of MSME Digital Transformation
SEGIB, governments, development agencies
Economic Development/MSMEs