Nanjing and Suzhou from China, along with Buan, Seo-gu (Gwangju), and Hanam from the Republic of Korea Joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities
On February 14, 2024, during the high-level virtual event "Empowering Learners of All Ages: UNESCO Learning Cities Transform Lives," UNESCO announced that 64 cities from 35 countries have joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC). Among them, Nanjing and Suzhou from China, along with Buan, Seo-gu (Gwangju), and Hanam from the Republic of Korea, were selected.
Dr. Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, welcomed new learning cities in her video message, “We warmly welcome 64 new cities from 35 countries to the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities on behalf of UNESCO…… Cities have a big role to play. UNESCO learning cities exemplify the potential of lifelong learning and life wide learning in schools, at home, workplaces and communities.”
Professor Shahbaz Khan, Director of UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia congratulates the two cities in China and the three cities in the Republic of Korea in joining the GNLC. UNESCO Beijing Office looks forward to engaging with the newly designated learning cities to promote adult education and lifelong learning.
The mission of the GNLC is to promote lifelong learning for all by effectively mobilizing its resources in every sector to promote inclusive learning from basic to higher education; revitalizing learning in families and communities; facilitating learning for and in the workplace; extending the use of modern learning technologies; enhancing quality and excellence in learning; and fostering a culture of learning throughout life. In doing so, the city enhances individual empowerment and social inclusion, economic development and cultural prosperity, and sustainable development.
As of now, 12 cities in China have joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, including Beijing, Changzhou, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Taiyuan, Wuhan, Xi'an, Nanjing, and Suzhou. Among them, Nanjing and Suzhou are newly selected global learning cities in this round.
Let's take a closer look at the two new member cities from China!
Nanjing
Nanjing aims to lead the way in modernizing its education system by 2025, focusing on inclusivity, accessibility and flexibility in lifelong learning. The city is committed to improving citizens’ literacy in the humanities and sciences. By 2035, Nanjing plans to extend formal and informal lifelong learning to all citizens, especially disadvantaged groups, with performance indicators reaching the level of developed countries. Priority areas include offering online services related to health and well-being, fostering equity and inclusion through assistance for students with limited financial means, and providing vocational training to equip workers for the new industrial era.
© Joshua Davenport / Shutterstock
Suzhou
Suzhou aims to establish itself as a lifelong learning city by 2025, in alignment with its Local Regulations on the Promotion of Lifelong Learning. Its strategy focuses on equitable learning opportunities, balancing urban and rural coverage, and fostering a robust lifelong learning infrastructure for all age groups. The city emphasizes high-quality and inclusive development across educational levels, from early childhood to adult education.
© Robert SHG / Shutterstock
Currently, 56 cities in the Republic of Korea have joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. Among them, Buan, Seo-gu (Gwangju), and Hanam are the newly selected global learning cities in this round.
Let's take a closer look at the three new member cities from Korea!
Buan
Buan’s lifelong learning strategy centres on three key values: participation, learning and togetherness. The city aims to create a supportive environment for individual competency development and life changes through its ‘Learning UP’ initiative. It also focuses on tapping into local potential and creating environmental value, notably through projects like Saemangeum. The ‘Grow-UP’ initiative creates a network across the entire area of Buan to resolve regional imbalances in lifelong learning and stimulate the local economy.
© Buan-Gun
Seo-gu (Gwangju)
The city aims to establish itself as ‘Seo-gu, the World’s Largest University’ by providing tailored lifelong education to all of its residents. The city is working to ensure equal access by setting up various departments and community centres. Its long-term goals include improving civic education, online learning platforms and international cooperation through its involvement in the UNESCO GNLC.
© Gwangju Metropolitan city
Hanam
In the medium term, the city aims to establish a Hanam-specific learning ecosystem and expand consumer-centred digital learning services. Hanam’s long-term vision focuses on creating a sustainable global learning city that offers learning opportunities for all age groups. Hanam is committed to data-based policy advancements, providing accessible learning opportunities and efficiently utilizing the city’s resources to promote lifelong learning.
© Gyeonggi Province
More to Read:
“UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities: 64 new members from 35 countries”:
https://www.uil.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-global-network-learning-cities-64-new-members-35-countries
“UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities: Nanjing, People's Republic of China”:
http://www.uil.unesco.org/en/learning-cities/nanjing
“UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities: Suzhou, People's Republic of China”:
http://www.uil.unesco.org/en/learning-cities/suzhou-city
“UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities: Buan, Republic of Korea”:
http://www.uil.unesco.org/en/learning-cities/buan
“UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities: Seo-gu (Gwangju), Republic of Korea”:
http://www.uil.unesco.org/en/learning-cities/seo-gu-gwangju
“UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities: Hanam, Republic of Korea”:
http://www.uil.unesco.org/en/learning-cities/hanam
“UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities”:
https://www.uil.unesco.org/en/learning-cities
“Database of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities”:
https://www.uil.unesco.org/en/learning-cities/map?hub=38
“Join the Network”:
https://www.uil.unesco.org/en/learning-cities/members/become-member
“Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education welcomes new learning cities”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MhJ3q8ZhAY