Representing both large metropolises and smaller urban areas, the recognized cities have demonstrated how implementing concrete action on the ground can empower citizens of all ages by providing learning opportunities. The prize-winning cities were selected by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), based on recommendations from an independent jury of international experts.
"Cities are home to more than half of the world's population and must be at the forefront of societal change. The 2024 UNESCO Learning City Awardees demonstrate the power of lifelong learning to enable citizens to adapt, innovate and collaborate on solutions to our planet's most pressing challenges. Their commitment to inclusivity and to sustainable development offers a path to a more just and prosperous future for all," said Isabell Kempf, Director of UNESCO's UIL.
The ten UNESCO Learning City Awardees are:
- Benguerir, Morocco
- Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
- Cork, Ireland
- Cuenca, Ecuador
- Doha, Qatar
- Eunpyeong-gu, Republic of Korea
- Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Querétaro, Mexico
- Wuhan, China
- Yanbu Industrial City, Saudi Arabia
About the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities
The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities comprises 356 cities from 79 countries which are home to 390 million people. A defining feature of UNESCO learning cities is their ability to connect education, training and cultural institutions while engaging diverse partners, including public-sector representatives, civil society organizations and employers. These cities effectively mobilize resources across sectors to promote inclusive, quality learning at all levels, from basic to higher education. They enhance learning within families and communities, support workplace education, and expand the use of modern learning technologies.
Every three years, the members of the network gather at the International Conference on Learning Cities to take stock of progress, address challenges and collaboratively shape solutions for the future.
