Lifelong Learning Festival - UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities

This festival will highlight the achievements and progress made by learning cities worldwide. It will showcase the transformative power of lifelong learning in promoting sustainable development, fostering global citizenship, and improving health and well-being at the local level, with a global impact. The event will be part of the #ImALifelongLearner campaign.

About the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities

Launched in 2013 during the inaugural International Conference on Learning Cities, the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities is a dynamic, policy-oriented network established to provide learning cities with inspiration, know-how, and models of best practice. The network boasts 292 UNESCO learning cities from 76 countries, collaborating to develop and put into action policies, programs, and initiatives to improve education and training across various sectors, from formal education and vocational training to community-based learning, digital literacy, and more. From megacities to smaller towns, all of these cities demonstrate how, by equipping people with the understanding, skills, and values they need to thrive in an ever-changing world, cities play a pivotal role in working towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education and lifelong learning.

Participation

The week-long festival will bring together high-level participants to explore measures to advance the learning city ethos, with the goal of promoting inclusivity and sustainability through the lens of lifelong learning. The festival is open to the participation of all interested stakeholders.

Programme

Monday, 30 October 2023 

• 12:00 to 13:30 CET (19:00 to 20:30 China Standard Time): ‘Fostering sustainable and green communities through lifelong learning for all’ (online)
  • Lifelong learning is an essential component of sustainable community life. The UNESCO GNLC offers many exciting examples of how lifelong learning supports people in learning how to live together and to take care of the planet. In this online event, the learning cities of Shanghai (People’s Republic of China), Hamburg (Germany) and Athens (Greece) will share their strategic approaches for promoting education for sustainable development among different groups of learners. Considering the urgency of the climate crisis, the cities will also showcase how they promote transformative actions among individual learners to ensure safe and healthy living environments for future generations.  
  • Registration link

Tuesday, 31 October 2023

• 05:00 to 06:15 (12:00 to 13:15 China Standard Time): Lunch
  • Lunch for on-site participants only at Yifu building (not mandatory)
• 06:45 to 07:00 CET (13:45 to 14:00 China Standard Time): Welcoming Remarks
  • Ms Mei Bing, Chair of the University Council, East China Normal University
  • Mr Borhene Chakroun, Director a.i., UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning
  • Registration link
• 07:00 to 08:15 CET (14:00 to 15:15 China Standard Time): Part 1: ‘Reflections on the work of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities and its impact’ 
  • The first part of this session will offer a comprehensive overview of the UNESCO GNLC’s growth and impact over the past decade. Via video address, esteemed speakers will examine how members promote the transformative power of learning to foster sustainable development across the globe. The floor will then be opened for those joining proceedings in-person, including participants and expert panellists alike, to share their reflections.
  • Registration link
• 08:15 to 08:30 CET (15:15 to 15:30 China Standard Time): Coffee Break
• 08:30 to 10:00 CET (15:30 to 17:00 China Standard Time): Part 2: ‘Looking forward to the next 10 years’
  • Having looked back on the UNESCO GNLC’s evolution, participants will set their sights on the future to envision the potential impact of the network over the next decade. This will be an opportunity to explore the vision and aspirations that will drive the GNLC’s future agenda to further advance sustainable development and societal progress through learning cities. Participants will also examine how learning cities can continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of their communities and respond to global challenges while fostering a culture of lifelong learning and inclusivity. Additionally, cities will share how they envision the GNLC’s role in supporting them to confront key challenges moving forward, while considering the power of lifelong learning in transforming societies for the better. Ultimately, participants will explore innovative approaches and set forth a strategic future vision for the GNLC.
  • Registration link
• 10:15 to 11:00 CET (17:15 to 18:00 China Standard Time): Launch of UIL’s new support initiative for UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities members 
  • The launch of UIL’s capacity-building initiative for learning cities is a significant step towards enhancing the capabilities of cities to promote lifelong learning. Developed by the Institute, this programme aims to empower participating cities with the tools, knowledge and resources needed to create effective learning environments for all citizens through targeted capacity-building opportunities. Cities within the network will be empowered to further amplify their efforts in fostering inclusive education, innovation and community engagement, ultimately contributing to the advancement of sustainable societies on a global scale.
  • Registration link

Wednesday, 1 November 

• 03:00 to 04:30 CET (10:00 to 11:30 China Standard Time): Roundtable: ‘Focus on learning cities’
  • In this roundtable, mayors and other key stakeholders from UNESCO GNLC member cities will share their experiences of various local lifelong learning initiatives, including in ESD, global citizenship education (GCED), health and technology. 
  • Registration link
• 04:30 to 04:45 CET (11:30 to 11:45 China Standard Time): Coffee break
• 04:45 to 05:15 CET (11:00 to 12:15 China Standard Time): Wrap up and conclusion
• 05:15 to 06:05 CET (12:15 to 13:05 China Standard Time): Lunch for on-site participants (not mandatory)
• 06:15 to 11:00 CET (13:15 to 18:00 China Standard Time) On-site events at ECNU

Thursday, 2 November 

• 13:00 to 14:30 CET (20:00 to 21:30 China Standard Time): ‘Cities’ experiences in educational planning and management’, co-organised with the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany (BMBF) (online)
  • This event is the culmination of a series of workshops on educational planning and management (EPM) organised jointly by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany (BMBF). Over the course of 2023, online workshops have provided an invaluable platform for localities in Germany and around the world to engage in an international exchange, discussing the challenges, instruments and benefits of EPM for lifelong learning. This series will be a global webinar, where cities will have the opportunity to present the results of their work – including recommendations for priority areas of EPM - to members of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) and beyond.
  • Registration link
• 16:00 to 17:30 CET (23:00 to 00:30 China Standard Time): ‘Global citizenship education and inclusion: Fostering peaceful societies’ (online)
  • In this online event, the cities of Larissa (Greece) and Edmonton (Canada) will share their innovative approaches to GCED and its role in building inclusive and peaceful societies. This interactive session will showcase how these cities have successfully integrated GCED into their education systems, fostering global awareness, empathy and active citizenship to promote harmony and social cohesion at the local level and beyond. Other cities within the network are encouraged to follow the meeting to learn from these exceptional examples and explore ways to advance GCED in their own communities for a brighter, more interconnected world.
  • Registration link

Friday, 3 November 

• 11:00 to 12:00 CET (18:00 to 19:00 China Standard Time): Learning inclusion in a Digital Age – belonging and finding a voice in a changing Europe (online)
  • Meet members of the Erasmus+ LIDA project and hear how disadvantaged adults, caring professionals (teachers, social and community workers) and policymakers can learn digital storytelling and literacy learning skills. They are empowered and express their successes and challenges.
  • Registration link
• 15:00 to 16:00 CET (22:00 to 23:00 China Standard Time): Regional, sub-regional and national networks: Advancing the GNLC approach
  • This webinar aims to facilitate a comprehensive discussion regarding the regional, sub-regional and national approaches within the GNLC. This event will place particular emphasis on the appeal and recognition of this emerging trend spearheaded by learning cities themselves, while also shedding light on accomplishments, obstacles, and future actions of sub-networks. It will feature representatives from learning cities who have innovatively worked to establish cooperative arrangements at different levels, within the framework of the GNLC.
  • Registration link