UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities

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About UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities(UNGNLC)-

• An international policy-oriented network, the UNGLC is a network of inspiration, know-how and best practices.
• It is coordinated by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL).
• The Network has member cities which it supports in aspects like promoting policy dialogue and peer learning, documenting effective strategies and best practice; building partnerships; capacity development; and more.
• According to UNESCO, a learning city is one that
  • Effectively mobilizes its resources in every sector to promote inclusive learning from basic to higher education.
  • Revitalizes learning in families and communities.
  • Facilitates learning for and in the workplace.
  • Extends the use of modern learning technologies.
  • Enhances quality and excellence in learning.
  • Fosters a culture of learning throughout life.
• In doing so, the city enhances individual empowerment and social inclusion, economic development and cultural prosperity, and sustainable development
• As per UNESCO, 77 cities from 44 countries across the globe have joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. 
• The group of global cities also includes cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Hamburg, Athens, Incheon, Bristol, and Dublin.

Inclusion of Indian cities-

Thrissur – the cultural capital of Kerala-

• It is home to academic and research institutions. 

• It is also known for its jewellery industry, especially gold.
• As a member of the UNESCO GNLC, Thrissur hopes to contribute to the intellectual and peer learning processes, focusing on equitable access to learning for all, digital learning ecosystems and skills for sustainability.
• Thrissur ticked UNESCO’s check boxes in aspects of good practices, equity and inclusion among other factors. 
• For eg, the presence of a MSME-Development Institute of India regional centre in Thrissur offers institutional support in promoting decent work and entrepreneurship through upskilling.

Nilambur, Kerala’s eco-tourism destination-

• It is a city with various socio-economic patterns marked by an urban and rural mix. 
• The majority of the population depends on agriculture and allied industries.
• The city offers free healthcare facilities to all citizens and utilizes health volunteers to provide door-to-door treatment for bedded patients. 
• It also promotes first-aid training for students and young citizens.
• It aims to ensure employment opportunities and UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, ‘zero hunger’.
• Nilambur also aspires to become a women-friendly city by ensuring equal opportunities in all sectors, promoting capacity-building and reducing harassment. 

Warangal, the tourism spot-

• It was the capital of the Kakatiya dynasty from the 12th to 14th centuries, and many intricately carved monuments from this period still stand.
• Among them are the ruins of 13th-century Warangal Fort and the Thousand Pillar Temple, built in 1163.
• The city is a major tourism venue, welcoming 3.2 million tourists every year. 
• Warangal’s economy is primarily composed of agricultural, industrial and service sectors.
• The city promotes equity and inclusion, for which it has implemented several strategies, including Women and Child Welfare policy, Urban Policy.
• Further, it also provides free training  to the transgender community.

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