Hanoi works for UNESCO Global Learning City title

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi is actively working to become a UNESCO "Global Learning City" to widen education and lifelong learning opportunities for its citizens, said Tran The Cuong, Director of Hanoi's Department of Education and Training.

Cuong spoke at a forum themed "Lifelong Learning to Become Useful People" held in Hanoi this weekend.

Hanoi aims to raise education standards to international levels and establish the city as a global learning metropolis, Cuong said, highlighting the sector's transformation over the past seven decades.

"Hanoi's education sector takes the lead nationwide in providing essential human resources for Vietnam's development. In keeping with the ideals of an international center of learning, Hanoi's educators have been called upon to set an example of elegance and dignity," he added.

He highlighted Hanoi's commitment to strengthening education by intensifying investment in infrastructure and teacher training to build a generation that can adapt to a globalized world.

The city leads in national and international academic competitions as its students have won 2,200 national awards and 200 international medals since 2008. Roughly 80% of public schools meet national standards.

The sector has grown steadily over the past decades, overcoming challenges during the war against America when schools were sheltered in rural areas and many teachers went into battle. After reunification, Hanoi launched major reforms, achieving universal primary education by 1990 and lower secondary education by 1999.

In the context of digital economic development, artificial intelligence and international integration, the sector focuses on professional knowledge and innovation, Cuong said.

Lifelong learning is a cultural trait of locals who learn to know, to do, and to affirm their values. In this journey, every organization and citizen has a role and a responsibility.

"Lifelong learning is the path that helps each person become a better version of themselves and maximize their abilities, making contributions to their family and society," said Cuong.

At the forum, teacher Pham Thi Huyen in Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi, who has been running a free literacy class for disadvantaged students for nearly 30 years, said: "Only love for children, for the job, and enthusiasm can make me happy to teach disadvantaged children."

Pham Quang Giang, although 40 years old, is a 10th-grade student at Nguyen Van To Vocational Education Center in Hoan Kiem District, determined to overcome adversity to find knowledge. Leading a hard life with health problems, he still tries to go to school every day.

The stories of Huyen and Giang moved many students at the forum and spread motivation to study every day.

At present, there are 579 community learning centers in Hanoi. Many learning models that build a learning society are being developed, changing people's awareness of lifelong learning.

Vu Thu Ha, Deputy Chairwoman of the Hanoi People's Committee, said the forum demonstrated Hanoi's spirit and response to lifelong learning.

"It is a concrete initiative to promote the plan to build Hanoi into a learning city according to UNESCO's guidelines. The forum is a commitment by Hanoi to join UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, confirming the capital's pioneering position in human development and building a knowledge society," Ha said.

Hanoi is committed to ensuring that all citizens, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, have access to quality education and learning opportunities throughout their lives.

"The city emphasizes the importance of culture in its educational development while creating an inclusive society where all citizens, regardless of their backgrounds, have equal opportunities to learn and develop," the official said.

She added that Hanoi has allocated a significant portion of its budget to education, demonstrating its commitment to improving the learning environment.