César Acuña Núñez Highlights a Vision for Education and Technology at the United Nations
César Acuña Núñez Presents Vision on Education and Technology at the UN
On September 15, 2026, César Acuña Núñez, a prominent Peruvian executive and representative of César Vallejo University (UCV), delivered a pivotal speech at the 20th International Human Rights Summit held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This event brought together diplomats, educators, youth leaders, and human rights advocates from over 82 countries, all focused on addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
In his speech, Acuña Núñez emphasized the transformative role of education as a catalyst for equality. As the globe navigates the rapid changes brought about by artificial intelligence, he argued that access to knowledge should be recognized as a fundamental right. He stated, "Technology can be a powerful tool for bridging divides and making opportunities more accessible, but we must prioritize education, ethics, and inclusion in this technological advancement. It is only by providing knowledge to those who have long been denied opportunities that we can truly measure progress."
The theme of the summit—"Promoting Peace through Education: 25 Years of Legacy"—also marked the 25th anniversary of the Youth for Human Rights International organization, which is led by Dr. Mary Shuttleworth. Her organization is dedicated to promoting human rights education globally, earning significant recognition for its efforts. The summit served as a platform to connect the new generation with international leaders committed to defending human dignity, fostering education, and promoting peace.
Among the notable figures present at the summit was José Ramos-Horta, the President of Timor-Leste and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, recognized for his leadership in efforts toward peace, reconciliation, and human rights. The event also welcomed Dr. Queen Mother Delois Blakely, a well-known humanitarian and founder of the New Future Foundation, who has long championed human rights and community development.
The summit's goals were underscored by discussions on how education can enhance social mobility and reduce disparities in opportunity. In light of these discussions, Acuña Núñez shared visions for integrating education with advanced technologies, particularly AI, to benefit wider populations. He reflected, "For many years, we have witnessed how education can change not just an individual’s life, but also the entire community's prospects. The challenge ahead is to ensure that technology and education intertwine to make these opportunities available to more people."
As part of UCV’s ongoing efforts to expand its educational reach, Acuña Núñez highlighted that his university has been at the forefront of education innovation since its foundation in Peru in 1991. With over 260,000 students across 13 campuses and an online platform, UCV continues to evolve with the integration of new technologies. The institution aims to empower individuals with competencies that are competitive on a global scale.
Looking ahead, Acuña Núñez is actively developing and expanding new projects targeting the United States market, particularly focusing on educational programs that incorporate AI, digital education, and emerging professional skills tailored for students and entrepreneurs within the Hispanic community. Details of these programs will be announced soon, aiming to replicate successful educational experiences accumulated in Latin America within the U.S.
With this distinguished participation at the UN, Acuña Núñez's role on the international stage enters a new chapter, promoting a dialogue centered on the intersection of human rights, education, and technology. He concluded his remarks with a clarion call to ensure that as AI reshapes the world, this new technological landscape remains inclusive, stating, "Talking about the future of human rights cannot omit the rights to learning, accessing knowledge, and participating in technological transformation. Our responsibility is to ensure that this new world accommodates everyone."
Education, technology, leadership, and social impact converged at the summit, reinforcing the notion that knowledge could be one of the vital forces in advancing opportunity equity in the 21st century.