Glasgow goes to top of the class - city awarded international accolade for lifelong learning
Glasgow has been revealed as a UNESCO Learning City in recognition for outstanding achievements in lifelong learning.
Glasgow has been revealed as a UNESCO Learning City in recognition for outstanding achievements in lifelong learning.
The only city in Scotland bestowed this honour to date.
The award was announced on Monday 2 December 2024 alongside 9 other world cities at a ceremony to kick start the Sixth International Conference on Learning Cities (ICLC 6) in Jubail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In Glasgow education is not just a phase of life, but a continuous journey embraced by all citizens. The city's commitment to accessible, inclusive lifelong learning fosters personal and professional growth across all age groups.
From innovative programmes aimed at older adults to community initiatives focused on sustainability, Glasgow is spearheading the learning city concept. With a vibrant tapestry of cultural, social, and educational opportunities, the city encourages its residents to engage actively in their learning journeys, ensuring that learning is integrated into everyday life.
Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren is proud to accept this prestigious accolade on behalf of partners as confirmation of the innovative work and practice across the city to enrich the lives of every Glasgow citizen.
She said today: "This is a fantastic achievement for our city and very well deserved.
"Glasgow launched itself as a learning city in 1999 and this concept has been the driving force for the city's development in lifelong learning.
"Many stakeholders across the city contributed to the bid process and is a testament to the commitment and dedication of all those delivering education and who are enhancing and nurturing the needs of all ages in Glasgow.
"Learning improves all our lives and our communities, and it continues far beyond school, further and higher education - 38% of Glasgow's population is over 45 years old."
Professor Scott MacGregor, Vice Principal of the University of Strathclyde and chair of Glasgow Economic Leadership (GEL) Higher & Further Education work stream accepted the award on behalf of the Lord Provost and the city at the ceremony in Saudi Arabia.
He said: "Lifelong learning is at the heart of education and learning in Glasgow. Schools, colleges, universities and community-based learning is thriving in Glasgow, creating opportunities for individuals and communities. This UNESCO Learning City award is testament to the power of partnership working in Glasgow in this vital endeavour.
"Since our foundation as the place of useful learning, Strathclyde has been committed to widening access to education for the people of Glasgow and beyond.
"We do this not only through initiatives such as our schools outreach programme Young Strathclyder, the Scottish Space School and our Age-Friendly Academy, but through our leading role in Glasgow City Innovation District and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland where we partner with business and industry to develop cutting-edge research, upskill our workforce, create jobs and grow the economy for all."
Isabell Kempf, Director, UNESCO Institute of Lifelong Learning said: "This year's UNESCO Learning City Awardees demonstrate the transformative potential of lifelong learning in addressing our world's most pressing challenges.
"I warmly congratulate the UNESCO Learning City of Glasgow on this well-earned award. Glasgow stands as an inspiring example of how investing in lifelong learning empowers individuals and transforms societies."
Professor Anne Anderson, Chair, UK National Commission for UNESCO said: "We are delighted that Glasgow has been recognised by UNESCO for its commitment to lifelong learning for its residents.
"Obtaining UNESCO City of Lifelong Learning status is an achievement in itself and in the five years since doing so, Glasgow has proven that its coordinated, multi-agency approach to learning across the spectrum of society is paying dividends and Glasgow is now recognised as an exemplar to other cities across the world."
Professor Rachel Sandison, Deputy Vice-Chancellor External Engagement, University of Glasgow said: "We are absolutely delighted to share with partners in this incredible achievement for the City of Glasgow and its community of learners. Learning must be accessible to all ages and backgrounds, and we strive to achieve this at the University of Glasgow through our widening participation programmes, civic engagement partnerships including GALLANT (Glasgow as a Living Lab Accelerating Novel Transformation) and GRID (Glasgow Riverside Innovation District), and our ongoing research collaborations including PASCAL (Place And Social Capital And Learning), shaping policy and practice across the Higher Education sector.
"It is extremely exciting to see Glasgow recognised as an outstanding global exemplar, and we look forward to making the most of the opportunities this brings, both as the University of Glasgow and a Glasgow Learning City partner, to the communities we serve."
Professor Penny Macbeth, Director, The Glasgow School of Art said: "Glasgow's commitment to education is reflected in this UNESCO award, highlighting both what we have achieved and what we collectively aim to achieve as an internationally recognised city of learning. It also acknowledges the strong partnerships that exist across the city's schools, communities, colleges and universities, working together to create opportunities for all to learn, inspiring ambition and lifelong learning for all."
Professor Jeffrey Sharkey, Principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland said: "UNESCO's recognition of Glasgow as a distinctive, diverse and world-class city of learning is extremely welcome. Along with the city's designation as a UNESCO City of Music, this amplifies further Glasgow's status as an enriching, vibrant place to study, live and work."
John Rafferty, Deputy Principal at Glasgow Clyde College said: "This is a tremendous accolade for the city which reflects our rich portfolio of education providers, working together to create rewarding pathways for learners of all ages.
"At Glasgow Clyde College we're proud to welcome many older students, attracted to our diverse portfolio of courses. From evening classes to part-time modules, or if you simply want to take on a new challenge, you're never too old to go back to education and there will definitely be a course for you."
Caroline Bysh, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Engagement, Glasgow Caledonian University,said: "This is clear recognition of the huge role education plays in the life of the city of Glasgow. Organisations including Glasgow Caledonian are dedicated to promoting life-long learning, with many of us focusing on social inclusion through widening access to education for people from disadvantaged areas. We can all be very proud of this UNESCO award.
Glasgow Life Chair, Bailie Annette Christie, said:"Everyone at Glasgow Life is delighted Glasgow has been recognised as a UNESCO Learning City. The charity works to benefit the people of Glasgow by contributing to lifelong learning opportunities in the city.
"Many people in Glasgow face significant disadvantages. By coming together, and working in partnership to address these inequalities, people in communities across the city can access a range of programmes and continue learning throughout their life. It is transformative. We have seen people flourish and realise their potential.
"By investing in raising achievement in literacy, numeracy and financial skills, innovative youth engagement programmes, and digital inclusion, the wider city also benefits from economic growth and a great sense of civic pride.
"It's magnificent UNESCO have acknowledged how much has been achieved, yet there is still more to do. This provides the perfect platform to reinforce our commitment to lifelong learning and education in Glasgow and to share learnings with others in the UNESCO Learning Cities community."
More about the award
Link to multimedia story about the UNESCO Learning City of Glasgow: Multimedia story about the UNESCO learning city of Glasgow
Glasgow's Learning City Partners: Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Life, Glasgow City HSCP, University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, City of Glasgow College, Glasgow Kelvin College, Glasgow Clyde College, Glasgow Caledonian University, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, The Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow Colleges' Regional Board and Skills Development Scotland.
Glasgow's vision is to have a world-class city with a thriving and inclusive economy where everyone can flourish and benefit from the city's success. This vision means a growing economy that creates jobs and investment, builds on Glasgow's position as a world-class city to tackle poverty, poor health and improves neighbourhoods. Glasgow believes in the transformational power of lifelong learning to empower citizens and build a prosperous city where all Glaswegians have access to development opportunities and celebrate learning across the lifespan.
More information on the Learning City webpage
About the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities:
The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) comprises 356 cities from 79 countries. A defining feature of UNESCO learning cities is their ability to connect education, training and cultural institutions while engaging diverse partners, including public-sector representatives, civil society organizations and employers. These cities effectively mobilize resources across sectors to promote inclusive, quality learning at all levels, from basic to higher education. They enhance learning within families and communities, support workplace education, and expand the use of modern learning technologies. Every three years, members gather at the International Conference on Learning Cities (ICLC) to take stock of progress, address challenges and collaboratively shape solutions for the future.
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