Accelerate progress in fostering lifelong learning and the achievement of the SDGs of the Education 2030 Agenda – particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
As the majority of the world's population increasingly resides in urban areas, cities play a critical role in ensuring the right to education and lifelong learning for all. They are instrumental in promoting lifelong learning by connecting educational, training, and cultural institutions; engaging diverse stakeholders such as government, civil society and businesses; and creating environments where citizens can apply their learning to everyday life through personal learning journeys.
In South-East Asia, rapid urbanization and socio-economic transformation are creating an urgent need for lifelong learning to empower citizens to navigate the complexities of the twenty-first century. These challenges range from climate change to rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Consequently, there is growing momentum for cities to lead efforts in addressing inequalities and expanding access to lifelong learning. This is evidenced by the addition of 11 South-East Asian cities to the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) in February 2024. Seven of these cities – from China, the Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam – will be recognized during a special awards ceremony at the conference’s opening plenary.
Conference objectives
Strengthen the capacity of South-East Asian cities through knowledge-sharing among UNESCO Learning Cities in South-East Asia and ASEAN+3 countries (ASEAN Member States plus Japan, the People’s Republic of China, and the Republic of Korea)
Identify and disseminate good practices in government policies and innovative initiatives that advance Learning Cities at both national and local levels in the South-East Asian context
Enhance the capacity of the Thai Learning City Network to foster collaboration regionally
Establish a sustainable platform for ongoing dialogue and partnerships among UNESCO Learning Cities and other cities promoting lifelong learning in South-East Asia
Expected outcomes
Learning Cities in South-East and East Asia will implement innovative and sustainable actions to promote lifelong learning for all through the Learning City approach
Establishment of an ASEAN Regional Learning City Network to foster mutual collaboration in building vibrant learning societies
ASEAN+3 Regional Conference on Learning Cities
The Bangkok gathering aims to foster a dynamic regional network among UNESCO Learning Cities in South-East Asia