Beijing - An experienced learning city in a new phase of development

Unlocking the Potential of Urban Communities: Case Studies of Twelve Learning Cities showcases cities in different parts of the world that are embracing lifelong learning for all. The book explores how the learning city approach can be used to unlock citizens’ potential, focusing on the experiences of twelve cities from all five UNESCO regions: Melton (Australia), Sorocaba (Brazil), Beijing (China), Bahir Dar (Ethiopia), Espoo (Finland), Cork (Ireland), Amman (Jordan), Mexico City (Mexico), Ybycuí (Paraguay), Balanga (Philippines), Namyangju (Republic of Korea) and Swansea (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland). These cities will be celebrated at the book’s launch at the 2nd International Conference on Learning Cities (ICLC), which will take place in Mexico City from 28 to 30 September 2015. Join us there and help shape the future of learning cities!

Beijing - An experienced learning city in a new phase of development

"In practice, we have realized that building learning cities has very vital significance in improving the scientific and cultural qualities of all citizens, promoting people’s all-round development, and promoting social harmony and sustainable development. Meanwhile, building learning cities is also a systematic project that needs long-term, unremitting and courageous innovation practices." - Wang Anshun, Mayor of Beijing

Beijing, one of the most populous cities in China, officially launched its learning city agenda in 1999 in order to promote innovation, sustainability and inclusiveness in the city in preparation for the 2008 Olympic Games. Beijing City Council’s official report The Decision to Vigorously Promote the Construction of a Learning Beijing in the Capital City (2007) states that the overall objective of building a learning city in Beijing is to achieve sustainable and scientific development. (Scientific development is one of the guiding socio-economic principles of the Communist Party of China. Its goals centre on the promotion of scientific socialism, sustainable development, social welfare, a humanistic society, increased democracy and a ‘Socialist Harmonious Society’). The Beijing Municipal Government, which has played a key role in systematically establishing a lifelong education system, has set up a lifelong learning team within the Beijing Municipal Commission of Education. The strong leadership provided by the government has led to the strengthening of adult and further education, the promotion of community education and the creation of websites that serve as lifelong learning platforms for citizens. The Learning Beijing initiative has grown rapidly over the last fifteen years. Having successfully hosted the first International Conference on Learning Cities in October 2013, Beijing is now entering a new phase in its development.

Read about the other cases here.