Canary Islands Universities Seek Cabildos' Involvement in Funding

Social councils of ULPGC and ULL aim for a stable and sufficient model to address higher education challenges in the archipelago.

Facade of a Canary Islands town hall with an iron balcony and afternoon light.
IA

Facade of a Canary Islands town hall with an iron balcony and afternoon light.

The social councils of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) and the University of La Laguna (ULL) have requested the Federation of Canary Islands (Fecai) for the island councils to participate in the financing of the public university system in the Canary Islands.

The objective is to ensure a stable and sufficient funding model that allows universities to face current and future challenges in higher education across the archipelago. This proposal was discussed in a working meeting between representatives of both universities and the president of Fecai, Lola García, who also chairs the Cabildo of Fuerteventura.
This meeting is part of a series of institutional contacts to promote a new multi-year funding model that guarantees the sustainability and strengthening of public universities in the Canary Islands. University representatives highlighted the strategic role of these institutions in the economic, social, and territorial development of the Canary Islands, emphasizing their contribution to talent formation, research, innovation, and knowledge transfer.
Formulas for greater participation of the island councils were proposed, exploring the use of resources from the Canary Islands Development Fund (FDCAN) to finance projects in higher education, applied research, and innovation. Ana B. Suárez, president of the ULPGC Social Council, advocated for strengthening the connection between universities, society, and the business sector. Meanwhile, Francisco Almeida, president of the ULL Social Council, stressed the importance of enhancing collaboration among universities, companies, and institutions.
The representatives recalled that this initiative aligns with the request made to the Government of the Canary Islands to define a new multi-year university funding plan, which would boost the universities' contribution to the development of all islands. The president of Fecai expressed her willingness to analyze the proposals and maintain dialogue, underscoring the significance of these institutions for the archipelago's future.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to promote joint initiatives that foster the balanced development of the Canary Islands and expand opportunities for training, employment, and innovation for citizens.