Learning cities are full of original ideas to stimulate interest in lifelong learning.
Editorial
Towards learning cities
Towards learning cities
The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) is an international policy-oriented network that provides inspiration, know-how and best practice. Based on the sharing of ideas and solutions between cities, the network has a two-fold objective – to ensure quality education that is inclusive and equitable, with lifelong learning opportunities for all; and to make cities open to all, safe, resilient and sustainable.
An international conference on Learning Cities is held every two years, providing a platform for policy dialogue and the exchange of best practices. The UNESCO Learning City Awards are presented on this occasion. At the fourth International Conference on Learning Cities in Medellín, Colombia, in 2019, ten cities are being awarded for their exemplary commitment. They include Aswan (Egypt), Chengdu (China), Heraklion (Greece), Ibadan (Nigeria), Medellín (Colombia), Melitopol (Ukraine), Petaling Jaya (Malaysia), Santiago (Mexico), Seodaemun-gu (Republic of Korea), and Sønderborg (Denmark).
To highlight just a few examples: Chengdu has combined learning with thematic city walks; Medellín has reintegrated over 4,500 school drop-outs into the education system by focusing on each individual; Petaling Jaya provides free bus services on four city routes, which also disseminate information through onboard screens.
Learn more
How to build a learning city, a series of video tutorials available in English, French, Spanish, Arabic and Russian.
Unlocking the Potential of Urban Communities: Case Studies of Twelve Learning Cities, 2015.
Unlocking the Potential of Urban Communities. Volume II: Case Studies of Sixteen Learning Cities, 2017.
Back to the article: Editorial by the Director-General
