Learning Cities in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: Bristol joins the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities

Bristol, one of the pioneering learning cities in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, has joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. By joining the Network, Bristol has reaffirmed its commitment to making its citizens’ lives fairer and more prosperous by breaking down social barriers, increasing social mobility and providing opportunities to its most disadvantaged residents.

2016: Bristol as a learning city  

The Mayor of Bristol, George Ferguson, has formally declared 2016 a ‘Year of Learning’. Mr Ferguson aims to develop a culture of learning and to encourage citizens to take part in learning opportunities.

As part of the Year of Learning, over forty ‘Learning Ambassadors’ have been nominated to help develop, promote and celebrate learning opportunities. These Learning Ambassadors will empower citizens in the following three ways:

1)      by passing on learning messages through their personal and professional networks in order to help change attitudes and behaviour;

2)      by promoting learning in the workplace, at home and in the community; and

3)      by inspiring others and empowering them to take part in learning activities.

The ‘Love Learning’ campaign

Also as part of its Year of Learning, Bristol is running a year-long campaign entitled ‘Love Learning’. The campaign, which was launched in February, promotes learning activities that help citizens discover a love of learning and share their stories. The campaign encourages citizens of all ages and from all backgrounds and communities to spread the ‘Love Learning’ message through events and various media, including social media. The objective is to draw attention to places in the city where learning is taking place so that everyone can access learning opportunities.

The city has also taken important steps in involving the youth in general development. This is evident in the way that the Bristol Youth Council has appointed two Youth Mayors to serve as the Mayor’s advisors.

The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), which is the secretariat of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, commended Bristol on the progress it has achieved in building a learning city. UIL hopes that Bristol’s achievements will inspire other learning cities in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and around the world.