Sơn La City shines at UNESCO’s 6th International Conference on Learning Cities

Sơn La led discussions at the UNESCO Global Event.

From December 3 to 5, 2024, ICLC 6 brought together approximately 1,200 delegates, including city leaders, policymakers, researchers, and educators from UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC). Under the theme “Learning Cities Pioneering Climate Action,” the conference emphasized building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities through lifelong learning.

Vietnam’s delegation to ICLC 6 included three cities: Vinh (Nghe An Province), Sa Dec (Dong Thap Province)—members of the GNLC since 2020 - and Sơn La (Son La Province), the newest member, joining in February 2024.

In a moment of great pride for Vietnam, Sơn La City was honoured to open one of the conference’s parallel sessions with a presentation titled “Funding the Future: Climate Actions and Education for Sustainable Development.”

Son La's delegation at the Conference

Son La: A City of Cultural Richness and Unique Challenges

In his keynote, Mr. Do Van Tru, Chairman of the Sơn La City People’s Committee, introduced Sơn La as a culturally rich mountainous city in Vietnam’s northwest, home to 120,000 residents from 12 ethnic groups. This diversity is a hallmark of the city but also presents unique challenges in addressing climate change and promoting education for sustainable development.

Despite economic and financial constraints compared to more developed urban areas, Sơn La has adopted a strategic and inclusive approach to meet its priorities. By mobilizing resources across sectors, the city has implemented innovative models for future-oriented investment centred on four pillars:

1. Public Investment

2. Public-Private Partnerships

3. Local Engagement: Involving credit funds, businesses, cooperatives, and communities.

4. International Support: Leveraging Official Development Assistance (ODA).

Empowering Communities Through Innovation

A highlight of Sơn La’s presentation was its emphasis on empowering communities to become active change agents. The city has focused on enhancing public awareness and capacity to enable residents to address environmental and sustainability challenges in ways that align with their cultural practices, needs, and aspirations.

Noteworthy initiatives include the “House of Wisdom” and “Compassion Library” programs, which have flourished across local communities. These initiatives promote lifelong learning, foster a reading culture, and integrate education for sustainable development. Activities are deeply rooted in the city’s vibrant ethnic traditions, creating a unique urban and community collaboration model.

Son La City Representative exchanged view with the Jubail City Administration

Education: The Cornerstone of Climate Resilience

Chairman Do Van Tru underscored that Sơn La views education as the cornerstone of its climate resilience strategy. The city has fostered widespread engagement and innovation by integrating climate change education into formal curricula and community programs.

One notable example is the “Son La – The Global City I Love” competition, which has attracted over 300 creative submissions addressing environmental challenges. These initiatives have cultivated a culture of innovation and cooperation, delivering tangible benefits to local planning and development.

Son La’s participation in ICLC 6 reinforced its pioneering role in addressing global, national, and local climate challenges. The city’s commitment to lifelong learning, sustainable development, and climate resilience reflects UNESCO’s vision of empowering communities through education.

Son La City Representatives attended a special banquet hosted by UNESCO and the Jubail City Administration.

Son La’s delegation actively participated in discussions and cultural exchanges during the conference and attended UNESCO-hosted banquets. A highlight was Chairman Do Van Tru presenting a traditional Piêu Scarf-symbolizing Son La’s ethnic identity - to Ms. Isabell Kempf, Director of UNESCO’s Institute for Lifelong Learning.

Chairman Do Van Tru presenting a traditional Piêu Scarf to Ms. Isabell Kempf, Director of UNESCO’s Institute for Lifelong Learning

Through its presentation and active participation, Son La showcased Vietnam’s contributions to UNESCO’s GNLC and inspired other cities worldwide with its inclusive and innovative approach to urban sustainability and climate resilience.

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