The sixth International Conference on Learning Cities
The sixth International Conference on Learning Cities (ICLC 6) will take place from 3 to 5 December 2024 in the UNESCO learning city of Jubail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Under the theme ’Learning cities at the forefront of climate action’ it will invite representatives of UNESCO learning cities from around the world and related stakeholders to discuss strategies for promoting climate action through lifelong learning.
2023 was the hottest year on record in history. The climate crisis is hitting communities and towns of all sizes with challenges ranging from heatwaves and droughts to floods and the loss of biodiversity and livelihoods. Our planet needs our collective action now. Education and learning are the catalysts for change. UNESCO learning cities are uniquely positioned to spread climate consciousness and empower local residents with the skills and innovations needed for fair and green societies. The sixth International Conference on Learning Cities in Jubail will be a powerful platform to pave the way for impactful climate action.
About the sixth International Conference on Learning Cities
During the sixth International Conference on Learning Cities, participants – including policy-makers, learning city mayors, lifelong learning and sustainability experts, private-sector representatives, non-governmental organizations, civil society, researchers, educators and United Nations entities – will work together to identify and strengthen lifelong learning policies for climate action, resilience and the establishment of sustainable cities.
Cities are key contributors to CO2 emissions yet catalysts for climate action. Currently responsible for around 75% of global CO2 emissions, cities – and in particular the transport systems and office buildings – play a pivotal role in the world’s response to the climate crisis. In addition to being central to the transformation to inclusive and green economies, cities are also at the forefront of efforts to empower local communities with the knowledge and skills that are needed to break long-established patterns of unsustainable consumption, production and mobility.
Conference participation
The conference will welcome a broad range of stakeholders from all world regions with a vested interest in the implementation of lifelong learning and urban planning. In addition to representatives of UNESCO Learning Cities, the conference will include national-level policy-makers, experts in the field of adult education and lifelong learning, private sector representatives, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, civil society groups, researchers, teachers and facilitators.
The conference will take place in Jubail Industrial City in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In hosting the conference, the UNESCO Learning City underlines its efforts to support the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Local initiatives in Jubail Industrial City underpin national programmes launched as part of the Saudi Vision 2030. One such programme aims to build a national strategy for the development of citizens’ capabilities. Adopting a lifelong learning perspective and involving the participation of government agencies, the private sector and the non-profit sector, this strategy stretches from early childhood through to general education, university education, technical and vocational training, and continuous training. Jubail Industrial City is committed to implementing this strategy – among others – at the local level.
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