Ha Long city prepares to join UNESCO's global network of learning cities
WVR - On the afternoon of August 13th, the Quang Ninh provincial Department of Education and Training and the People's Committee of Ha Long city held a meeting with the Advisory team responsible for preparing the application to join UNESCO's global network of learning cities.
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The Conference was attended by representatives from the Department of Continuing Education, under the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), the leadership of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, under Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) the Quang Ninh provincial Department of Education and Training, the leadership of Ha Long city and independent experts.
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| The delegation in discussion with the leadership of Ha Long city. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet) |
As the political, administrative, economic, and cultural hub of Quang Ninh province, Ha Long city has been one of two cities selected by the Provincial People's Committee to undergo a comprehensive evaluation and survey in preparation for joining UNESCO's global network of learning cities.
Home to Ha Long Bay-a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its extraordinary global value in aesthetics, geology, and geomorphology-the city also leads the province in formal education achievements and has made significant strides in fostering a learning society.
These factors position Ha Long as a strong candidate for becoming a member of UNESCO’s global network of learning cities.
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| Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Son, Vice Chairman of Ha Long city's People's Committee, addressed the learning cities consultation conference. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet) |
In his remarks, Nguyen Ngoc Son, Vice Chairman of Ha Long city's People's Committee, emphasized the strategic advantages of joining UNESCO's global network of learning cities. He noted that this affiliation would enable Ha Long residents to engage more actively in the global exchange of ideas, knowledge, and experiences with other member cities. Additionally, it would bolster the city's international reputation, attract investment and human resources, and promote sustainable development. Acknowledging these benefits, Ha Long city is committed to achieving the status of a global learning city in the near future.
To ensure the successful submission of the application in 2025, Ha Long city's People's Committee is closely adhering to the Ministry of Education and Training's guidelines and UNESCO's criteria for registration. Following a thorough review, the city has already met 50 out of 57 required indicators. In the coming months, Ha Long will intensify efforts to implement comprehensive solutions, maintain and elevate the quality of the criteria met, and address the remaining indicators.
During the meeting, the survey team provided a detailed assessment of the met and unmet criteria, identified challenges, and proposed actionable solutions to address the gaps. The team also offered guidance on the application process for joining the global network.
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| Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thuy, Deputy Director General of the Department of Continuing Education, MOET spoke at the learning cities consultation conference. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet) |
Nguyen Xuan Thuy, Deputy Director General of the Department of Continuing Education, Ministry of Education and Training, urged Ha Long city to meticulously prepare its application, ensuring alignment with UNESCO's stringent criteria. He stressed the importance of leveraging the city's existing strengths and differentiating itself from other localities by highlighting unique features.
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| Mr. Dao Quyen Truong, Deputy Director General of the Department of Cultural Diplomacy and UNESCO Affairs, MOFA, speaks at the learning cities consultation conference. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet) |
Dao Quyen Truong, Deputy Director General of the Department of Cultural Diplomacy and UNESCO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Secretary-General of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, commended Ha Long city's proactive efforts in policy-making and planning for its participation in the global network of learning cities.
However, he cautioned that the title of a global learning city is increasingly prestigious, and the evaluation process has become more rigorous. Therefore, in addition to meeting the mandatory criteria, Ha Long city must identify and highlight key priorities that align with UNESCO's focus, showcasing the city's commitment to advancing education.
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| Ms.Tong Lien Anh, Deputy Director of Lifelong Learning Institution, spoke at the learning cities consultation conference. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet) |
Ms.Tong Lien Anh, Deputy Director of Lifelong Learning Institution, emphasized the need for deeper reflection on content during her survey of the provincial museum and library. She observed that while the city has invested well in the "outer shell", more attention is needed on the substantive aspects. For instance, the provincial library's focus on physical books should expand to include digitalization, particularly in the context of the fourth industrial revolution, where digital resources play a crucial role.
She also pointed out the need to diversify services to accommodate vulnerable groups, such as the hearing and visually impaired, and create dedicated spaces for researchers. Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of intangible cultural heritage, urging Ha Long city to capitalize on its unique maritime culture. Above all, the city must clearly articulate its commitment to mobilizing resources for the development of a learning city. In support of enhancing Vietnam's global standing, she affirmed the commitment to partnering with Ha Long city to achieve its ambitious goals.
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| The delegation conducted an on-site survey at the Quang Ninh provincial library and museum. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet) |
