|
October 2, 2024
The City of Edmonton proudly marked its second year as members of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) with a special, annual Council Recognition on October 2, at City Hall. During this event, Mayor Amarjeet Sohi proclaimed this October as Learning Month, recognizing Edmonton's ongoing commitment to fostering lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Hosted in partnership with the City of Edmonton and the UNESCO Learning Cities Steering Committee, the event brought together leaders from various educational institutions, community organizations and city officials. Special guests included Edmonton’s Poet Laureate, Shima Aisha Robinson, who delivered an inspiring poem that underscored the role of learning in our history and the power it has to connect people and build stronger, resilient communities.
“Lifelong learning is at the heart of Edmonton's vision for a more inclusive, sustainable and innovative future. By embracing education in all its forms—whether through schools, cultural programs, or community initiatives—we are shaping a city where everyone can grow and thrive,” said Mayor Sohi.
The recognition event highlighted collaborative efforts between the City of Edmonton and its UNESCO Learning Cities partners, including Edmonton Public Library, eight local post-secondary institutions, Edmonton Public School Board, Edmonton Catholic School Boards, Conseil Scolaire Centre-Nord and innovation centres including Edmonton Unlimited. This celebrated the contributions of many community organizations who support Edmontonians’ lifelong learning needs. Together, these learning partners support inclusive and equitable learning opportunities that play an important part in delivering on Edmonton’s strategic priorities, such as welcoming one million more residents by 2050, promoting climate action and fostering community safety and well-being.
“Edmonton’s recognition as a Learning City is a testament to our city's deep commitment to building a learning ecosystem that includes everyone—from K-12 students to adults seeking new skills and knowledge.” said Kate McIntosh, Director of External Relations and Protocol and Co-Chair of the UNESCO Steering Committee.
Throughout Learning Month, residents are encouraged to explore a wide range of learning events across the city. From workshops, arts programs and community exchanges to skill-building sessions and environmental initiatives, there are countless opportunities to engage in lifelong learning.
About the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities
The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) is an international platform for cities committed to promoting lifelong learning. GNLC fosters knowledge sharing, collaboration, and capacity building across member cities worldwide. With more than 350 member cities from 79 countries, the network is geared toward improving health, education, sustainability, and equity through continuous learning.
| 
