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Edmonton, Canada
Edmonton is one of the youngest and fastest growing cities in Canada. Immigrants make up a quarter of the city’s population. It is an energy sector hub (technology, artificial intelligence, agribusiness and health sciences) and has one of the most diverse economies in the country.
groups
City population
1,047,526
person
Member since
2022
Vision
Edmonton aims to be a city built to connect and continuously learn. It aims to become the first Canadian member of UNESCO GNLC and to encourage other cities to develop learning strategies. The city hopes to serve as a catalyst for a Canadian learning network in line with the UIL framework. By participating in strategic meetings and clusters as part of UNESCO GNLC, Edmonton plans to engage various stakeholders to create a vibrant learning city.
Policies, plan and implementation
Sustainability and health
The city focuses on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (quality education) and 11 (sustainable cities and communities), developing learning initiatives across the community, and addressing key issues such as poverty, gender equality, inequalities and climate action.
Equity and inclusion
Edmonton integrates equity and inclusion through targeted strategies that address crime prevention; truth and reconciliation; racism and bigotry; and income inequality, poverty and access to affordable housing. Multiple initiatives have been implemented focusing on gender equity, LGBTI, immigration and indigenous cultures.
Decent work and entrepreneurship
The city’s Community Learning Action Plan complements ConnectEdmonton, Edmonton’s strategic plan to foster a culture of learning, and to establish a strong network of re-skilling and training organizations and programmes as well as a robust start-up and entrepreneurial support system.
Good practices
Senior Advisory Committee
The Senior Advisory Committee is a collaboration between the government and the post-secondary education sector. It includes executives from the city’s post-secondary partner institutions. It has implemented a social innovation collaboration, led by the University of Alberta, to undertake a Grand Challenge for inclusive social and economic development.
Edmonton Public Library’s City of Learners
This community-led initiative helps to foster engaged and passionate learners. It seeks to work collaboratively and creatively with community partners to develop learning activities for all citizens.
Relationship-based initiative
This initiative focuses on public engagement; grants; relationships and partnerships; bringing together groups across sectors to build a healthy, urban and climate-resilient city; and supporting excellence in learning.