The Mexico City Statement on Sustainable Learning Cities

The 2nd International Conference on Learning Cities, which was held from 28 to 30 September 2015 in Mexico City, culminated in the adoption of the Mexico City Statement on Sustainable Learning Cities. This statement will shape the development of learning cities in the coming years.

Towards sustainable learning cities

At the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit 2015, which was held in New York almost at the same time as the Conference, Member States agreed on seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that will define the next fifteen years of human development. At the 2nd International Conference on Learning Cities, more than 650 political ministers, vice-ministers, mayors, vice-mayors, education executives and civil society representatives from ninety-five countries were informed by the SDGs as they drafted the Mexico City Statement on Sustainable Learning Cities.

The statement emphasizes the importance of learning cities for sustainable development, especially for the achievement of SDG 4 (‘Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’) and SDG 11 (‘Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable’). It also outlines strategic directions and action points for promoting lifelong learning as a driver of social, economic and environmental sustainability in cities throughout the world.

‘This statement will provide invaluable guidance to cities as they build sustainable learning cities. It will ensure that cities play a central role in creating a sustainable future and a life of dignity for all,’ said Arne Carlsen, Director of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL).