These cities were among the 64 new members from 35 countries recognized by the UNESCO for their outstanding efforts to make lifelong learning a reality for all at the local level.

A view of Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam's southern economic hub (Photo: VNA)

According to Ambassador Nguyen Thi Van Anh, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to UNESCO, the event reflects specific steps in the implementation of policies and guidelines of the Party and the State regarding international integration and education.

Dao Quyen Truong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Cultural Diplomacy and UNESCO Affairs under the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, believed the event showed the result of realizing the cultural diplomacy strategy to 2030. It was also earned by efforts and resolve of the local People’s Committees, especially their close coordination with relevant agencies, experts and scientists both at home and abroad, and contributions by local residents.

Photo: Bao Son La

Before HCMC and Son La City, three other Vietnamese cities joined the network. In 2020, there were two other, namly Sa Dec City in the Mekong Delta of Dong Thap and Vinh City in Nghe An Province. Another representative from Dong Thap is Cao Lanh City, which entered the list of GNLC by UNESCO in 2022.

The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities is an international network comprising cities that successfully promote lifelong learning across their communities. VNA reported. The new learning cities are added to the network on the recommendation 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. With the new members, the network now counts 356 cities from 79 countries with more than 390 million people benefiting from lifelong learning opportunities.

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