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UNESCO Global Network of Learning cities
Beijing
Capital of Learning for comprehensive developmentAs the Chinese national capital Beijing officially launched its learning city agenda in 1999  to promote innovation sustainability and inclusivenessVision and motivationThe overall objective of building a learning city in Beijing is to achieve sustainable and scientific development The learning city will pursue the following objectivesbuilding a lifelong learning structuremobilizing educational resourcescreating a learning atmosphereestablishing good conditions for learning andattracting experts with an innovative and dynamic spiritChallenges and goalsBy joining the GNLC Beijing will harness the power of lifelong learning to achieve a soft landing for its fastgrowing economy using an innovative and sustainable approach In addition Beijing is seeking solutions for managing its huge population Plan and implementationConstructing a modern lifelong learning system would be the foundation for Beijing to build a learning city Inspired by the Key Features of Learning Cities Beijing has identified nine major projects to further establish itself as learning cityestablishing an urban area learning demonstration project  facilitating lifelong learning demonstration bases for citizensestablishing a digital network platform for lifelong learningdeveloping the Beijing Credit Bank project furtherfostering a learning organizationenhancing innovation within the labour forceproviding training for new modern farmersfacilitating an education project for the ageing population andestablishing a community education guide service systemWith these nine pillars Beijing aims to promote  comprehensive development for its people with a focus on the individualBeijing was also hosting city of the 1st International Conference on Learning Cities 2013 which has culminated in the adoption of the Beijing Declaration on Building Learning Cities and the Key Features of Learning Cities The Conference laid the foundation for the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities and its outcome documents serve as the Guiding Documents for the Network and its members today
China
UNESCO Global Network of Learning cities
Villa María
Gender equality and universal literacy ratesVilla María is a vibrant city of 88600 inhabitants Its rich agricultural land makes Villa María the leader in terms of milk production in Argentina but this is not the only asset of the city It is indeed well known across the whole country for its educational institutions including the Universidad Nacional Villa MaríaVision and motivationVilla Marías vision is to promote sustainable personal and social development The city tries to bring its infrastructure together with its vast human resources for the purpose of socioeconomic and cultural development The city understands that citizen participation in nonformal learning needs to be recognized validated and accredited Linking the education system and labor market is also a motivatorChallenges and goalsVilla María tries to provide better lifelong learning opportunities for all in the following areasAdult illiteracyChildcareInclusive learningLearning in families and communitiesSustainabilityPlan and implementationVilla María is developing an array of tools to overcome obstacles to its social cultural and economic expansionAs part of the plan to build a sustainable city Villa María willcreate new spaces for civic participationpromote public events and citizens access to the citys cultural assetsintensify actions among municipal secretariats to guarantee citizens access to education health care and cultural activitiesintegrate efforts into local policies pertaining to social matters education culture health care and productivitysystematize the various projects that have been developed with the aim of generating knowledgeorganize scientific and cultural events centred on education earlyyears education youth and adult education and roadsafety education
Argentina
UNESCO Global Network of Learning cities
Contagem
Education for All to Overcome Social VulnerabilityContagem is an industrial city that attracts workers from many different regions The city hopes to improve access to learning for all of its citizenVision MotivationContagem wants to improve the educational possibilities of its inhabitants and provide learning spaces for all It envisions a lifelong education programme that fosters inclusion and promotes learning opportunities The focus goes beyond the formal academic perspective by bonding social cultural artistic and human facetsChallenges Areas of SupportThe challenges are mainly related to social vulnerability and underprivileged groups such asSocial inclusionUrban migrationRacism and intoleranceJuvenile delinquencyLearning in the workplace and for families and communities    Economic developmentPlan and ImplementationContagem is implementing a number of lifelong learning initiatives including Continuing education initiativesPublic servants and community leaders will become community articulators who build links between schools and communities The aim is to increase participation in school and community activities thereby fostering inclusion and support for underprivileged studentsExtracurricular activitiesThe development of environmental education sports and recreation human rights culture and arts digital culture health promotion communication and ICT natural sciences and economic education programmesAccessibility for allFree transportation to school and healthcare services for people with mobility impairments
Brazil
UNESCO Global Network of Learning cities
Sønderborg
Sustainable development and the 41742 way of thinkingTo propel development the city of Sønderborg is prioritising three interdisciplinary areas citizenship health and sustainabilityVision and motivationIt is Sønderborgs intention to augment the positive outcomes of current projects focused on environmental economic social and cultural sustainability The city expects to further enhance the quality of learning intensify external partnerships and engage all citizens in the process of becoming a learning cityChallenges and goalsApart from having achieved outstanding results in the reduction of CO2 Sønderborg continues the pursuit of its efforts tobecome a sustainable cityexpand learning in informal spaces andintensify the use of modern technologies in the learning processPlan and implementationThe 41742 way of thinking is Sønderborgs main project as a Learning City The three figures 4 17 and 42 stand forThe 4 policies for sustainabilitythe Environmental sustainability policythe Economic sustainability policythe Social sustainability policy andthe Cultural sustainability policyA link to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals SDGs Investing into quality education for all sustainable energy and global partnerships for sustainabilityThe 42 Key Features for Learning Cities Ensuring coherent thinking and linking activities with tools to monitor results and boost developmentIn addition ProjectZero offers scientific and educational tools promoting a ZEROcarbon future from Kindergarten to PhD levels and envisions sustainability as a natural way of living
Denmark
UNESCO Global Network of Learning cities
Hangzhou
Innovation alongside antiquity and prosperityOften recognized as the most beautiful city in China Hangzhou successfully blends modernity and antiquityVision and motivationHangzhous motto government leads society coordinates and everyone participates is supported by the citys broad notion of learning It comprisesThe three Ls framework lifelong lifewide and lifedeep learning andThe six Ws for building a learning city no matter who when where why access to what information or in which wayChallenges and goalsThe city would like to increaseLiving standards and sustainabilityGovernance of and participation by its stakeholdersThe culture of learning that is learning in the workplace and within the familyPlan and implementationHangzhou strives to develop new strategies towards becoming a learning city To this end five central measures are being implementedDevelopment of an education system comprised of 15 years compulsory educationCreation of learning service platforms such as the 15minute Cultural Circle every resident will live within a fifteenminute walking distance from the nearest learning siteExpansion of diverse and innovative learning activitiesFounding of new learning organizationsDevelopment of comprehensive and effective lifelong learning policiesThe city will also improve its current learning policies and regulations and strengthen the management system
China
UNESCO Global Network of Learning cities
Chengdu
Leading the development of a learning city planChengdu a major city in western China is known as the land of abundance It is considered by many to be one of the most livable cities in China Vision MotivationChengdu is drawing on the UNESCO GNLC and the Key Features of Building Learning Cities to develop plans and tools for promoting lifelong learningThe city firmly believes that through policy dialogue and exchanges with other cities in the network Chengdu will improve its citizens living conditionsChallenges Areas of SupportAs a hub of commerce finance and transportation in Western China Chengdu is open to a wide variety of ideas and influences The city wishes to take advantage of its central location to form an inclusive learning and education system extend the use of technologies in training and create a culture of lifelong learning throughout the cityPlan and ImplementationAt the governmental level Chengdu has drafted and adopted Chengdus Suggestions for Promoting the Establishment of a Learning City This detailed plan outlines the following six actionsReaching an agreement on building a learning cityEstablishing a lifelong learning service system and perfecting the infrastructure of the learning cityPromoting urban and rural education and enhancing quality and equalityFacilitating learning organizations and cultivating a culture of learningPromoting lifelong learning through InternetPlus and employing modern technologies to improve the accessibility of learning resourcesIntegrating public learning resources 
China
UNESCO Global Network of Learning cities
Shenzhen
Establishing a learning network within the cityAdjacent to Hong Kong and Macao Shenzhen was Chinas first special economic zone The city is committed to promoting healthy and steady economic growth and sustainable developmentVision and motivationIn building a learning city Shenzhen aims to stimulate the citys vitality promote urban innovation and improve the citys core competitiveness essentially leading to an improvement in Shenzhens sustainable developmentShenzhen expects to strengthen cultural exchanges among member cities learning from each citys extensive experiences while improving and advancing its own development in lifelong learningChallenges and goalsBased on the citys action plan Shenzhen will promote learning in families communities and the workplace actively and will extend the use of modern learning technologies as well as boosting resource mobilization and utilizationPlan and implementationThe Shenzhen Government is committed to building and promoting a learning city placing great emphasis on strengthening talent training and realizing each individuals potential completely while ensuring economic development and the livelihood of the peopleThe Shenzhen Municipal Government has been engaged actively in building a learning city using the following measuresThe launch of a Lifelong Learning Network Website wwwszlllnetcn for citizens of Shenzhen featuring more than 100 free courses on a wide range of topics it serves the purpose of building a learning city by integrating educational resourcesThe establishment of a network of community colleges training schools education centres and workstations Currently the number of participating institutions has reached 270Shenzhen plans to focus on human resources development and individual satisfaction
China
UNESCO Global Network of Learning cities
Dilijan
Transforming into an Educational and Cultural CentreLocated at the geographical crossroads of Europe and Asia Dilijan is looking to also become a crossroads of education and culture in Armenia through the building of a learning city Vision MotivationDilijan is working towards becoming an educational and cultural hub in Armenia where the community is empowered to contribute to the economic development of the city By joining the GNLC Dilijan also hopes to transform itself into an educational and cultural center of international importance Challenges Areas of SupportDilijan experienced a difficult period after the collapse of the Soviet Union with increased unemployment and declining economic development The city hopes that by joining the GNLC its economy will grow as its citizens develop new skills and knowledge through communitybased learning opportunitiesPlan and ImplementationDilijan has enlisted the help of local organizations to develop universal learning experiences for its citizens Currently its partnership network includes 1 the United World College Dilijan which is an IB school with students from 72 countries 2 Dilijan Community Center which offers vocational education for all age groups 3 Bridge of Hope an inclusive learning center 4 Tumo Center for Creative Technologies free after school lessons on modern technologies 5 Dilijan Central School educational methods developmentBy joining the UNESCO GNLC Dilijan City committed to strengthening relations with existing partners and expand its network to more external stakeholders Dilijan plans to establish a crosssector collaboration system and allow the partner institutions to organize joint educational cultural and social events in cooperation with local schools and communities The current plan will ensure that the culture of lifelong learning will be fostered deeply in every community in Dilijan
Armenia
UNESCO Global Network of Learning cities
Plovdiv
Promoting the principles of lifelong learningThe city of Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria and it is the European Capital of Culture for 2019 Considering its attractive geographic location and multicultural environment Plovdiv tries to attract young people to work and live in the cityVision MotivationPlovdiv promotes local policies and sustainable sociopolitical development to create an appropriate environment for living Plovdiv tries to provide its residents with various opportunities in education selfdevelopment and sustainable development By joining the GNLC it hopes to gain understanding of innovative approaches in learning and sustainable development          Challenges Areas of SupportPlovdiv needs to find ways to overcome the following challenges to implement lifelong learning for allSustainabilityLack of sustainable partnershipsParticipation of all stakeholdersUse of modern technologyPolitical will and ambitionPlan and ImplementationTo establish innovative educational practices Plovdiv plans to implement the learning city concept through a set of activities which includesNeeds assessment of the city and developing appropriate themes for life lifelong learningReview of education documents to accommodate the concept of lifelong learningEstablishing a local authority for lifelong learningMotivating citizens for participation and active learningDevelopment of sustainable partnershipSetting up and promotion of different measures and initiatives
Bulgaria
UNESCO Global Network of Learning cities
Espoo
Creating the Espoo Story TogetherLearning city initiatives play a key role in promoting the wellbeing and inclusion of Espoos citizensVision and motivationEspoos learning city vision is to create a positive place to live learn work and do business in where its citizens can fulfil their potential and participate in developing their community By providing learning opportunities and resources Espoo encourages its citizens to be competent and creative residents who can succeed in an uncertain future with the help of a learning spiritChallenges and goalsDespite having high educational attainment the city would like to promoteWellbeing and an active lifestyleInclusion and educational equitySustainabilityStakeholders involvementPlan and implementationThe Espoo Local Development Plan for Education 2020 proposes to develop knowledge skills and competencies that are crucial for its citizens throughout life Providing everyone with the opportunity to learn increasing the joy of learning and partnership collaboration are at the core of the implementationA current challenge for the city is the integration of asylum seekers and the development of an inclusive educational systemEspoo is working with various organizations on new ways to communicate share and further develop its learning city practices All stakeholders are committed to building a sustainable learning city and to contribute to the future of Espoos citizens Together with its partners the city focuses onEncouraging an active life for allDeveloping knowledge skills and competenciesProviding educational services in a collaborative way
Finland
UNESCO Global Network of Learning cities
Namyangju
Learning lighthouses only a tenminute walk to happinessNamyangjus 123 Lifelong Learning Infrastructure project is improving access to learning for citizens of all ages The citys Learning Lighthouses turn unused spaces into community learning centres and have won Koreas 2013 Lifelong Learning Award and the UNESCO Learning City AwardVision and MotivationNamyangju wishes to improve its citizens quality of life and to cultivate local talent through lifelong learning it hopes that this in turn will increase the citys competitiveness By building a virtuous cycle of learning in everyday life and work the city intends to boost community and cultural participationChallenges and GoalsNamyangju has faced the following challenges and has set these goals to provide high quality lifelong learning for allDevelopment of the lifelong learning programme and policiesImproved access to information and counselling for lifelong learningPromotion of lifelong learning for disadvantaged communitiesSupport for lifelong learning circlesTraining for continuing education stakeholdersPlan and ImplementationTo provide learning access to all the city proposes the followingDeveloping the 123 Lifelong Learning Infrastructure which refers to citizens proximity to facilities more specificallyLearning Lighthouse shall be within 10 minutes walkCommunity centres shall be within 20 minutes walkLibraries shall be within 30 minutes walkThe aim of Learning Lighthouses is not only to promote learning but also to generate a sense of community among citizens by providing them with spaces where they can meet people from their local community and share ideasIncubation of local talent and the growth of professional capabilities Volunteers lecturers entrepreneurs and agricultural leaders are nurtured through the citys lifelong learning academies
Republic of Korea
UNESCO Global Network of Learning cities
Cork
A firm commitment to create learning opportunities for allAs the second largest city in Ireland Cork wishes to boost economic growth and improve the lives of all citizens by reducing social inequalitiesVision and motivationBy joining the GNLC the city wants to strengthen its commitment to building a learning city and to join a global initiative consistent with its local activities Education and lifelong learning are regarded by Cork as a key means to reduce inequalities and improve social inclusionChallenges and goalsLifelong learning can lay the foundation for change In particular the city wants to tackle the following challengesreducing social division and early school leavingextending the use of modern learning technologiesimproving employmentlowering economic emigration and improving the lives of the immigrants who stayedPlan and implementationTo give citizens access to a broad array of learning opportunities Cork designed many projects includinghosting a series of international seminars and a conference on taking an inclusive and holistic approach by working to integrate other sectors with the Learning City concept EcCoWell CorkCork Learning Festival which celebrates learning as a joyful and collective experience and proposes almost 500 free events every yearCork City Development plan which encompasses lifelong learning and recognizes Cork as a city of learningGLLiC Growing Lifelong Learning in Cork a crosssectoral working group designed to implement the Declaration on Building Learning Cities in 2014two Learning Neighbourhood pilot programmes in disadvantaged areas supported as case studies to develop an ongoing approach to the learning city conceptCork City has long demonstrated tremendous commitment to the learning city approach in general and to the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities in particular At the 2nd International Conference on Learning Cities in 2015 in Mexico City Cork City received the UNESCO Learning City Award in recognition of its achievements In 2017 Cork City hosted the third International Conference on Learning Cities
Ireland