Empowering citizens for progress
Tunis is the political capital of Tunisia, as well as its economic and cultural centre. It is exemplary in that its development has been shaped by both its history and its geography.
Vision and Motivation
Tunis’ motivation for adopting the Learning City concept emerged in the wake of the January Revolution of 2011. It became aware of the need to re-establish a bond of trust with its citizens in order to increase their awareness of the challenges confronting the city and, subsequently, to mobilize them to face these challenges.
Challenges and Goals
Challenges include learning to respect the natural environment, consume fewer natural resources and turn Tunis into a Learning City that fosters sustainable development. It is furthermore imperative that new developmental strategies and resources be made available, and cooperations be established with the city’s university. Tunis intends to prepare its citizens for the future while serving as an anchor in the here-and-now.
Plan and Implementation
The city has created a committee to act as an intermediary between the municipality and local citizens, leading to the revitalization of a number of organizations, such as the ‘Association to Safeguard the Medina of Tunis’. Tunis has strengthened its network of international partners and partner cities, reinforced its commitment to the ‘International Association of Francophone Mayors’, and is a member of ‘United Cities and Local Governments’ (UCLG).
Tunis organizes a number of events for the benefit of its citizens: during the month of Ramadan, it hosts many festivals and cultural activities in which everyone can participate, with a special focus on disadvantaged groups.
The city emphasizes the connection between its development into a Learning City and the 2011 revolution. Accordingly, it prioritizes citizens’ needs and feelings, and ensures that its provisions are accessible to all.
Yesterday, Tunis was liberating individuals. Today, it is liberating energy and development skills, equipping citizens to be creative by providing them with the information they need to rethink the city. We owe this revolution to the Learning City.
Mr Saifallah Lasram
UIL is not responsible for the content of this city profile.
