Honoring Ceremony Commemorates Son La City's Induction into the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities

Honoring Ceremony Commemorates Son La City's Induction into the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities

The event was graced by the presence of Ms. Miki Nozawa, Head of UNESCO's Education Department Office in Vietnam, alongside distinguished guests such as Mr. Pham Ngoc Thuong, Deputy Minister of Education and Training, and Mr. Dinh Cong Sy, Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Education. Representatives from various governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Public Security, were also in attendance, along with delegates from Vietnamese cities within the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.

Among the attendees from Son La Province were Mr. Nguyen Huu Dong, Member of the Central Party Committee and Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and other provincial leaders, department heads, and grassroots representatives.

The delegates attending the Honoring Ceremony

During the ceremony, Ms. Tong Thi Phong, former Member of the Politburo and ex-standing Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly, conveyed her sincere congratulations to Son La City for its well-deserved recognition in UNESCO's Global Network of Learning Cities.

The Global Network of Learning Cities, an initiative spearheaded by UNESCO, now proudly boasts Son La City among its ranks alongside 62 other cities from 34 countries, swelling the network's total to an impressive 356 cities across 79 nations. This monumental achievement promises to extend lifelong learning opportunities to over 390 million individuals worldwide.

To secure its position in the Global Network of Learning Cities, Son La City has made substantial investments in education, allocating 1.44 trillion VND, representing 33.7% of its total education budget, towards infrastructure, school networks, teaching equipment, and community learning centers.

Mr. Ha Trung Chien, Member of the Standing Party Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, Secretary of the Son La City Party Committee, and Chairman of the Son La Global Learning City Steering Committee, delivered a speech at the Ceremony.

During his speech at the ceremony, Mr. Ha Trung Chien emphasized that Son La City's UNESCO recognition is a testament to years of unwavering dedication and relentless effort. He highlighted the challenges ahead and stressed the pivotal role of leveraging the Global Learning City status to chart a path toward future success.

Under the motto "Lifelong Learning, Sustainable Culture, Bright Future, Deep Integration," Son La City reaffirms its commitment to building a learning society, prioritizing practical benefits for residents and creating opportunities for lifelong learning for all.

Ms. Miki Nozawa, Head of UNESCO's Education Department Office, delivered a speech at the Ceremony.

In her address, Ms. Miki Nozawa congratulated Son La City and expressed UNESCO's confidence that ensuring access to lifelong learning opportunities for all citizens is crucial for sustainable development and overcoming challenges. She encouraged Son La City to utilize this opportunity to build a sustainable learning society and contribute to cultural and educational integration.

Ms. Miki Nozawa presented the Global Learning City Certificate to Mr. Pham Ngoc Thuong, Deputy Minister of Education and Training.

Ms. Miki Nozawa presented the Global Learning City Certificate to the Deputy Minister of Education and Training, Mr. Pham Ngoc Thuong, who then handed it over to Mr. Hoang Quoc Khanh, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee.

Mr. Pham Ngoc Thuong handed over the Certificate to Mr. Hoang Quoc Khanh, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee.

Mr. Pham Ngoc Thuong presented flowers and “The Lifelong Learner” books to the Department of Education and Training of Son La Province and Son La City’s People Committee.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Dong, Member of the Central Party Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and Head of the Provincial National Assembly Delegation, delivered a speech at the Ceremony.

Speaking at the Ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Huu Dong congratulated Son La City on being listed in UNESCO's global network of learning cities. He proposed that Son La City refine its comprehensive plan and roadmap to continue effectively fulfilling the commitments in the candidacy dossier, maintaining the title of "Global Learning City" according to UNESCO's criteria and the principle of "Building a Learning Society, Promoting Lifelong Learning."

Mr. Nguyen Huu Dong also suggested that the Department of Education and Training, as well as other departments, sectors, organizations, enterprises, and individuals in Son La City and the province as a whole, coordinate efforts to intensify propaganda and raise awareness among officials, party members, civil servants, employees, and the entire population about the tangible benefits that the "Global Learning City" network can bring. Additionally, there should be active participation and commitment to building "Learning Families," "Learning Lineages," "Learning Communities," "Learning Units," etc., contributing ideas, solutions, and activities to enhance the quality and effectiveness of Son La City's participation in the UNESCO global network of learning cities.

Mr. Do Van Tru, Chairman of the Son La City People's Committee, announced the City’s action plan.

To demonstrate the determination to fulfill the commitments of Son La City upon being listed in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, the Chairman of the People's Committee of Son La City announced an action plan to protect and promote the value of the newly recognized UNESCO titles.

Accordingly, from now until 2030, Son La City strives for 100% of educational units to transition their management, teaching, and learning activities to digital platforms, aiming to enhance the quality of education. Developing a lifelong learning ecosystem, promoting workplace learning, job-oriented education, reading culture, behavioral etiquette, and communication skills, enabling learning anytime, anywhere, and implementing ethnic minority language teaching programs at all levels of education.

The city adeptly sustains learning models, engaging 95% of households and 13 lineages and achieving full participation from commune communities and units, along with 90% involvement from exemplary citizens. Ensuring the House of Wisdom model operates effectively across all hamlets and villages remains a crucial objective.

Furthermore, the city is dedicated to preserving and promoting Thai traditional dance, which UNESCO acknowledges as an intangible cultural heritage. This commitment extends to the maintenance of six ancient Thai dances and solidarity dances. Additionally, efforts are directed towards safeguarding the language and script of ethnic minorities while also focusing on the restoration and upkeep of festivals and traditional costumes associated with handicrafts and fine arts.

The leaders from the Central and Provincial levels awarded scholarships to the students.

On the occasion of commemorating the 112th anniversary of the birth and the 80th anniversary of the passing of the revolutionary martyr Tô Hiệu, at the Recognition Ceremony, the Tô Hiệu Scholarship Fund of Son La Province awarded scholarships to 112 students from schools named after Tô Hiệu, as well as 80 outstanding students from districts and cities facing difficult circumstances, who have strived for excellence in both academics and life.

In celebration of Son La City being listed in UNESCO's "Global Learning City" network, the Provincial People's Committee of Son La launched a campaign to support the Tô Hiệu Scholarship Fund

The ceremony was not merely formal but a vibrant celebration of learning, attended by over 3,000 individuals from diverse backgrounds and age groups. Traditional art performances and interactive learning corners added to the festive atmosphere, fostering a spirit of curiosity and discovery.

The ceremony concluded with a unity dance involving city officials, residents, and students, showcasing the spirit of solidarity and celebration.

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