Uruguay’s technological leadership: global leaders visit Ceibal as a model for innovation

A large delegation of international leaders who attended the inauguration ceremony of Uruguay’s President, Yamandú Orsi, visited Ceibal’s facilities. This pioneering initiative, based on One Laptop per Child, was launched in 2007 and positioned Uruguay as the first country in the world to provide laptops to all children and teachers in public primary and secondary schools, helping to close digital and educational gaps.

Senior officials from Germany, Armenia, Guatemala, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Greece, Portugal, Peru, Canada, Croatia, Russia, Japan, Iran, and the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB) attended the tour. The representatives learned firsthand how Uruguay integrated technology into its education system, solidifying its position as a benchmark in digital innovation.

The delegation, accompanied by the Minister of Education and Culture, José Carlos Mahía, was received by Ceibal’s President, Fiorella Haim, along with the organization’s managers and heads.

During the visit, Mahía expressed Uruguay’s deep pride in this program, which has democratized access to technology for young people across the country. He also stated that the government’s goal for this term is to further inclusion and improve classroom attendance.

Since its creation in 2007, Plan Ceibal has delivered more than 3,100,444 laptops and tablets to students and teachers to promote digital equity and educational innovation. Ceibal’s President, Fiorella Haim, emphasized the visit as an opportunity to explore new international collaborations. “We want to leverage this opportunity for them to get to know us and identify opportunities for cooperation in the coming years,” she said.

Uruguay’s technological development, driven by initiatives such as Ceibal and its political, economic, and social stability, positions the country as an attractive destination for foreign investment and strengthens its status as a leader in innovation and digital education in the region.