Inspired by the human development values and capability approach that are in tune with its ethos, the Universidad de Ibagué developed a participatory process to build a comprehensive capabilities list for the university community and the external actors that cooperate with it. As a private institution serving a region beset by conflict, the university feels a responsibility to cultivate leaders who can help the community. During this process, stakeholders created a list following a rigorous methodology and using other higher education capabilities lists. As a result, the different actors participating in the process (executive leadership of the university, researchers conducting the process, internal and external participants) expanded their own epistemic capability and at least four other capabilities. This is an innovative proposal for higher education in both the global North and South that also enhances cognitive justice to promote more democratic and fair societies.
