The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities opens to membership

The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities is now officially open to membership. UNESCO encourages cities to become part of a network that supports the practice of lifelong learning by promoting policy dialogue and peer learning among member cities; forging links; fostering partnerships; providing capacity development; and developing tools and instruments to encourage and recognize progress achieved in realizing the vision of lifelong learning.

In opening the Network to membership, Arne Carlsen, Director of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), emphasized that ‘it is only through sharing and exchange that the building of learning cities can advance.’

At the 1st International Conference on Learning Cities, which was held in Beijing in 2013, participants called upon UNESCO to establish a Global Network of Learning Cities. After this Conference, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), which serves as the Secretariat of the UNESCO Global Network for Learning Cities, laid the groundwork for establishing the Network.

Why should your city become a member?

Member cities benefit from:

• Receiving guidance and support throughout the process of building a learning city
• Being part of a dynamic network and strengthening their own partnerships and networks
• Receiving recognition for their efforts and showcasing the actions of their city

The open approach of the Network allows cities from all over the world to advance lifelong learning without paying a membership fee.
Become a member of the UNESCO GNLC in five steps

Your city government:
Step 1: Commits to developing a learning city.
Step 2: Adopts the Guiding Documents of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.
Step 3: Completes the application form.
Step 4: Have the mayor sign and stamp the application.
Step 5: Emails the application form to your country’s National Commission for UNESCO for endorsement, making sure to cc the Secretariat of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities ().

Further information regarding membership and the application form are available on the website of the UNECO Global Network of Learning Cities (http://learningcities.uil.unesco.org).