Hanoi takes bold move to make it “Global Learning City”
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi on April 4 set up a steering committee to build the city a member in UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.
Hanoi's excellent students honored by the city's leadership in 2023. Photo: Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper
The committee is chaired by Vice Chairwoman of the municipal People’s Committee Vu Thu Ha, with Director of the Department of Education and Training Tran The Cuong being deputy chairman, and members are representatives of the city’s other departments, organizations, and media outlets.
The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities is an international network of cities that successfully promote lifelong learning within their communities. So far, the network includes 356 member cities from all around the world that share inspiration, know-how and best practice with each other.
The committee, following Ministry of Education and Training guidelines, works to meet the criteria for Hanoi to become a “Global Learning City” and ensures agencies sustain efforts after UNESCO recognition.
The Department of Education and Training, as the committee’s standing body, coordinates tasks and involves various sectors and authorities in planning sessions.
Earlier, the Hanoi People's Committee previously launched a plan to secure the city’s place in UNESCO Global Learning Cities Network to increase awareness across political and public spheres about this goal. It focuses on fostering lifelong learning to boost education, job prospects, income, and quality of life for residents.
Additionally, the plan aims to facilitate Hanoi’s collaboration with global UNESCO cities, inspire community learning, and tap into creative potential from local, regional, and international partners. It supports UNESCO’s "Global Learning City" criteria while advancing Hanoi’s 2021-2030 learning society goals, with a vision to 2045, as outlined in the city Party Committee’s Resolution No. 23-NQ/TU.
To become an UNESCO learning city, a city must be norminated by the National Commissions for UNESCO in the concerned countries and the recommendations of a jury of experts.
Requirements for achieving learning city status is a strong commitment to lifelong learning by the mayor and city leadership, coupled with a proven history of effective policies and practices.
UNESCO learning cities feature the connection of education, training, and cultural institutions, alongside collaboration with a wide range of partners in the public and private sector and organizations.
Since 2020, UNESCO has recognized five cities for the title, including Sa Dec City in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap, Vinh City in the central province of Nghe An, Cao Lanh in Dong Thap, and Son La in the northern province of Son La, and Ho Chi Minh City.
