International standards and indices of higher education in ukraine: historical and legal aspects

Abstract

It has been established that the origins of international cooperation standards in higher education trace back to the 1950 Agreement on the Importation of Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Materials. Over time, fostering collaboration among states in the field of higher education became a core focus of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). UNESCO initiated the drafting and adoption of multilateral agreements concerning the mutual recognition of qualifications and academic experiences within higher education. These regional and global conventions highlight several key principles: higher education is recognized as a public good and a public responsibility; state oversight remains central, while private higher education and academic autonomy are also upheld. Additionally, the conventions emphasize the importance of academic mobility across all educational levels. The mechanisms for recognizing higher education qualifications, as set out in these conventions, are based on reciprocity and non-discrimination. They also reflect the diversity of national higher education systems, alongside the need for greater standardization, transparency, and harmonization.