UNESCO
Sixty-four cities from 35 countries, including 13 new African cities, have recently joined the Global Network of Learning Cities, as the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reported. This network aims to bring together cities that distinguish themselves in promoting lifelong learning among their residents, showcasing a commitment to education by both city leadership and administration.
The newly added cities, including Alexandria, Sharkia, and Zefta in Egypt, Agadir, Essaouira, and Fez in the Kingdom of Morocco, as well as others in Cameroon, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Zimbabwe, have been selected based on recommendations from a panel of experts. UNESCO emphasizes that genuine dedication to learning and implementing good practices and public policy initiatives are crucial criteria for a city’s recognition as a learning city.
According to UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, cities play a pivotal role in transforming the right to education into a tangible reality for individuals of all ages. The network, now comprising 356 cities globally, facilitates sharing knowledge and experiences, paving the way for lifelong learning opportunities for an estimated 390 million citizens.
UNESCO outlines key characteristics of learning cities, which include establishing connections between educational, training, and cultural institutions and engaging a diverse array of partners, such as representatives from the public sector, civil society organizations, and employers. Learning cities effectively mobilize resources across various sectors to promote inclusive and high-quality learning, from primary to higher education. They aim to revitalize learning within families and communities, facilitate workplace learning, and harness modern learning technologies to enhance educational opportunities. Expanding the Global Network of Learning Cities signifies a collaborative effort to prioritize education and create environments conducive to continuous learning.
A genuine commitment to learning by the mayor and city administration and a set of good practices and public policy initiatives are essential prerequisites for becoming a learning city.
