• Warangal in Telangana, Thrissur and Nilambur in Kerala are among the 77 cities from 44 countries which have joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC).

• Nilambur 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. It is also an eco-tourism destination in the Kerala State of India. 

• Thrissur, known as the cultural capital of Kerala, is home to academic and research institutions, and well-known for its jewellery industry, especially gold. Thrissur is the headquarters of four leading private sector banks in India and an important number of chit funds. Thrissur Pooram is an annual event celebrating artistic, cultural, musical and folk-art traditions in the region. It attracts a large number of people not only from the city but also individuals from other regions and countries.

• Warangal’s economy is primarily composed of agricultural, industrial and service sectors. The city has a rich cultural heritage and welcomes 3.2 million tourists every year, making it one of the major tourist attractions in India. 

• Other cities that have joined the network are the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, Durban in South Africa and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) among others.

UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC)

• The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) is an international network consisting of cities that successfully promote lifelong learning across their communities. It includes 294 cities from all around the world that share inspiration, know-how and best practice among each other.

• The network’s mission is to support and accelerate the practice of lifelong learning in the world’s communities by promoting policy dialogue and peer learning among member cities, forging links, fostering partnerships, building capacities and developing instruments to encourage and recognise progress in building learning cities.

• A learning city promotes lifelong learning for all.

UNESCO learning cities:

i) Effectively mobilises its resources in every sector to promote inclusive learning from basic to higher education.

ii) Revitalizes learning in families and communities.

iii) Facilitates learning for and in the workplace.

iv) Extends the use of modern learning technologies.

v) Enhances quality and excellence in learning.

vi) 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.

• The Network supports the achievement of all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular, SDG 4 (Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all) and SDG 11 (Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable).

• The new UNESCO learning cities were added to the network following their nomination by the National Commissions for UNESCO in the concerned countries and the recommendations of a jury of experts. 

• A strong commitment to lifelong learning by the mayor and city administration and a track record of good practices and policy initiatives are key prerequisites for becoming a learning city.

• The 77 new members bring the total number of cities within the UNESCO GNLC to 294 in 76 countries.

• The cities were added in recognition of their outstanding efforts to make lifelong learning a reality for all at the local level.

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