Developing learning cities in Nordic Countries

Discussions on the contextualization and implementation of the Key Features of Learning Cities in Nordic Countries took place today at the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) in Hamburg. Participants in the meeting included representatives of the cities of Sønderborg (Denmark) and Espoo (Finland), private partners, urban planners and members of a global consultancy on sustainable urban development.

During the meeting, the working group discussed the contextualization of the Key Features of Learning Cities as a tool for measuring achievements, evaluating success and singling out areas that need improvement in the development of learning cities. Espoo, one of the twelve cities that was conferred the UNESCO Learning Cities Award 2015, indicated that it was in the process of initiating a Network of Nordic Learning Cities.

In her contribution, Kristiina Erkkilä, the Director of Development in Espoo, said, ‘We might be similar enough to collaborate on learning cities’ development and have a joint contextualization of the Key Features for the Nordic Countries.’  The City of Espoo will, for the first time, host the Network of Nordic Countries in September during its Lifelong Learning Festival and will follow up on this initial meeting.