Previous International Conferences

More than 600 delegates from 180 cities in over 80 UNESCO Member States attended the third International Conference on Learning Cities (ICLC), which took place from 18 to 20 September 2017 in Cork, Ireland. Under the theme ‘Global goals, local actions: Towards lifelong learning for all in 2030’, the event demonstrated the importance of implementing lifelong learning initiatives at the local level in order to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The outcome documents of the event, the Cork Call to Action for Learning Cities and Learning Cities and the SDGs: A Guide to Action, support cities striving to make quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all a reality by 2030. The subsequent conference report provided an overview of the various sessions, forums and workshops, as well as insights and discussions that transpired during the event – such as how lifelong learning helps to promote green and healthy cities, equitable and inclusive societies, and employment and entrepreneurship within communities. An overview of the UNESCO Learning City Award 2017 ceremony, which took place on the opening day, as well as the Cork Call to Action for Learning Cities, is also part of the conference report.

Conference Report: Third International Conference on Learning Cities (PDF, 7.7 MB)
In line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Cork Call to Action for Learning Cities recognizes the important role of lifelong learning as a driver for environmental, social, cultural and economic sustainability. It outlines key points for cities to promote health and environment, equity and inclusion, as well as decent work and entrepreneurship. The document is available for download in English, French and Spanish

The second ICLC brought together over 650 participants from 95 countries to define the role of learning cities in shaping the Sustainable Development Agenda. The Conference Report provides information on how to develop sustainable learning cities, strengthen partnerships and networks, and implement the Key Features of Learning Cities. It also shares insights into how learning cities can foster global citizenship and environmental stewardship, contribute to health and well-being, and stimulate inclusive and sustainable economic growth. It also highlights regional developments on learning cities and contains key documents that were developed during the conference.

English (10.5 MB), French (12.7 MB) and Spanish (12.6 MB).

The Mexico City Statement on Sustainable Learning Cities
outlines the role of learning cities in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and defines strategic directions and action points for building sustainable learning cities. Available in: English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Arabic. The Conference.

The First International Conference on Learning Cities, which was co-organized by UNESCO, the Ministry of Education of China and Beijing Municipal Government, took place from 21 to 23 October 2013 in Beijing. The aim of the conference was to mobilize cities to promote lifelong learning for all as a vector of equality and social justice, social cohesion and sustainable prosperity.

Over 550 delegates from 102 countries attended, including mayors, city education executives, education experts, and representatives of UN agencies, regional organizations, non-governmental associations and international corporations. Discussions focused on the stages of development necessary to turn cities into learning cities; communities that nurture active citizenship, promote economic and cultural prosperity and lay the foundation for sustainable development. UNESCO Director-General Ms Irina Bokova hailed the conference as a ‘milestone’ that went ‘to the heart of UNESCO’s work in lifelong learning’. Download: Conference Report: International Conference on Learning Cities – Beijing, China ( PDF 1,49 MB) English [10.5 MB], French [12.7 MB] and Spanish [12.6 MB]