On the journey to join UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (Part 1): Vietnam's footprint
WVR - Over the past decade, UNESCO's Global Network of Learning Cities has emerged as a powerful catalyst for innovation and sustainable urban development worldwide. Among its most prominent activities are the International Conferences on Learning Cities, which have drawn thousands of leaders, experts, and policymakers from across the globe. Vietnam’s participation in this network has left an initial mark, highlighting the increasingly visible role of its learning cities in the global landscape.
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| Education expert Tong Lien Anh, along with the Vietnamese delegation, participated in the 6th International Conference on Learning Cities in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. (Photo: UNESCO) |
A positive first impression
Although Vietnam’s delegation has only attended two International Conferences - Mexico in 2015 and Jubail in 2024 - its learning cities have already made a positive impression, solidifying their growing status within the global network.
At the recent 6th International Conference in Jubail, the cities of Son La and Vinh presented their experiences in fostering learning communities and promoting education for sustainable development. Their initiatives garnered significant attention from international delegates. These efforts not only demonstrate creativity and flexibility in tailoring approaches to local cultural characteristics but also underscore Vietnam's firm commitment to lifelong learning.
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| The Vietnamese delegation participated in the Conference in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. |
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| Vietnamese delegation visited the historical site of Jubail, Saudi Arabia. |
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| Vietnamese delegation visited a secondary school in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. |
A global festival of learning cities
The UNESCO International conference on learning cities has become a vital global forum where cities exchange experiences and shape future development strategies. Since the inaugural event in Beijing in 2013 to the 6th edition in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, in 2024, these conferences have attracted 700 to 1,200 city leaders, policymakers, and education experts from around the world.
Each conference typically concludes with joint declarations or policy recommendations, setting strategic directions for cities over the following years. Notably, the Beijing Declaration and the Key Features of Learning Cities from the 2013 conference continue to serve as guiding principles for the network's development today.
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| Tong Lien Anh participated the event on the Unesco Global Network of Learning Cities in Mexico, 2015. |
The appeal of cultural and educational synergy
One distinctive feature of these conferences is the seamless blend of cultural and educational elements. UNESCO often selects host cities that boast rich cultural and historical significance.
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At the second conference in Mexico City, the oldest capital in the Americas, sessions were held in grand, opulent castles. Outside the conference halls, delegates immersed themselves in the vibrant pulse of Latin American street culture, with striking graffiti reflecting contemporary life.
In contrast, the 6th conference in Saudi Arabia offered a different narrative. Jubail, one of the world’s most advanced industrial cities, welcomed guests with a state-of-the-art Royal Cultural Center, historic sites, and the rich heritage of Arabian culture. Everywhere—from conference halls to hotels, schools, and cultural landmarks—delegates were greeted warmly with saffron coffee, dates, and traditional royal dances, creating an unforgettable cultural experience.
These elements not only enriched the conferences but also elevated them beyond technical events. The harmonious interplay of culture and education created a lasting impact, boosting the host countries’ international reputation and attracting robust investment and collaboration opportunities.
A wave of growth
In just over a decade, UNESCO's Global Network of Learning Cities has experienced rapid expansion, becoming a powerful global movement.
From its modest beginnings with a handful of members in 2013, the network grew to over 160 cities by 2019, according to UNESCO. Remarkably, between 2020 and 2024, membership surged to 356 cities - more than double the previous rate in just two-thirds of the time.
The 6th conference in Jubail drew a record 1,200 participants, including representatives from countries without any member cities in the network. Their attendance signified growing interest in joining, reflecting the increasing strategic priority of learning cities worldwide.
The road ahead
For Vietnamese cities to make a deeper mark in the Global Network of Learning Cities, bold and strategic steps are essential.
Having had the privilege of attending both conferences, I hope that one day our cities will not only be participants but also hosts, where we can showcase our unique stories and gain invaluable insights from international peers.
Reflecting on the network's journey through six conferences, the power of cross-border collaboration and knowledge sharing becomes evident. Stories from around the globe offer powerful inspiration, paving the way for Vietnamese cities to achieve their aspirations of becoming true global learning cities.
Part II: Lessons from around the world
