EARLALL Academy #17: UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities

17/02/2026

On 17 February 2026, EARLALL successfully held its 17th Academy session online, dedicated to the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC). The session brought together members to explore how lifelong learning can drive sustainable local development.

The Academy combined a conceptual introduction with a practical case study.

In the first part, Edith Hammer, Programme Specialist at the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), presented the objectives, guiding principles and added value of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. She highlighted how the initiative supports cities worldwide in promoting inclusive lifelong learning policies and strengthening local governance.

The second part featured Cllr Kieran McCarthy, Member of Cork City Council and of the Irish Delegation to the European Committee of the Regions. Drawing on Cork’s experience as a recipient of the UNESCO Learning City Award, he provided a concrete example of how the Learning City approach is implemented in practice. His intervention illustrated how lifelong learning strategies can contribute to community engagement, skills development and sustainable urban growth.

The session offered both strategic insight and practical inspiration, reinforcing the importance of lifelong learning as a cornerstone for resilient and forward-looking regions.