On October 4, 2023, the University of Phayao, in collaboration with Adult Learning Australia (ALA), the Australian Learning Communities Network (ALCN), and the UNESCO Institute of Lifelong Learning, organized a webinar to exchange knowledge between the learning cities of Thailand and Australia. Mr. Ra?l Valdes, the Coordinator of UNESCO Learning Cities, also participated in this discussion.
The discussion results highlighted the importance of lifelong learning in addressing community and environmental issues, aligning with three of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals including goal 4 quality education, goal 11 sustainable cities and communities, and goal 13 climate action. The trend involves universities taking a leading role in developing learning cities in partnership with local administrative organizations. In 2024, UNESCO will focus on creating a mentoring system for developing learning cities and inviting universities to contribute through research. The goal is to strengthen the connection of regional learning networks. Currently, the University of Phayao drives the Learning City initiative through the City Unit with support from the Fund for Educational Equity and the Spatial Development Fund Management Unit. They also serve as mentors for the four newcoming learning cities of Lamphun, Udon Thani, Trang, and Yala.
Source: University of Phayao
