The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC), coordinated by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), serves as a dynamic, policy-driven platform facilitating the international exchange of effective strategies and practices among cities committed to lifelong learning. The GNLC’s current membership spans 356 cities across 79 countries. In Asia-Pacific, South-East Asia currently has 19 UNESCO Learning Cities, while East Asia countries of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea collectively already belong to an extensive regional network of 70.[1] Such networks afford countless opportunities for contextual, regional exchange and member-cities mutual development. With this in mind, the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok (UNESCO Bangkok) together with the Program Management Unit on Area Based Development (PMU A) of Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation are delighted to be hosting the ASEAN+3 Regional Learning Cities Conference, which will be the first such gathering dedicated to Learning Cities in South-East Asia. This Conference, to be held from 29 through 30 October, in Bangkok, aims to be an invaluable opportunity for cities in the region to learn from the experiences of their regional counterparts, thus providing insights into how to accelerate their own progress in fostering lifelong learning and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the Education 2030 Agenda – particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Thailand’s approach to the Learning City concept, while aligned with UNESCO's broader principles, showcases strategies and initiatives that reflect the country's unique cultural, social and economic contexts.[2] This reflects both national and local commitments to fostering a culture of lifelong learning and the building of inclusive and sustainable cities through joint partnerships led by the PMU A, UNESCO Bangkok, the Equitable Education Fund (EEF) Thailand, the Ministry of Education, Bangkok Learning City, Thailand Knowledge Park (TK Park) and the Office of Knowledge Management and Development (OKMD).

Conference Objectives
● Strengthen the capacity of South-East Asian cities through knowledge sharing among UNESCO Learning Cities in South-East Asia and ‘Plus 3’ countries of ASEAN Member States plus Japan, the People’s Republic of China, and the Republic of Korea
● Identify and disseminate good practices in national and local government policies in advancing Learning Cities and innovative initiatives at the city level in the context of South-East Asian cities
● Enhance the capacity of the Thai Learning City Network to foster collaboration at the regional level
● Establish a sustainable platform for ongoing dialogue and partnerships among UNESCO Learning Cities and other cities actively promoting lifelong learning in South-East Asia
Expected Outcomes:
● Learning Cities in South-East Asia as well as East Asia will implement innovative and sustainable actions in promoting lifelong learning for all through the Learning City approach
● ASEAN Regional Learning City Network to be established to foster mutual collaboration among cities in the region in building vibrant learning societies
Expected Participants:
Approximately 200 onsite participants including:
● Representatives from UNESCO Learning Cities and interested cities in Brunei Darusssalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Viet Nam
● Mayors and/or senior government officials promoting UNESCO Learning Cities in the Plus 3 countries of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea
● National and local Thai networks of 39 cities, including the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, the Equitable Education Fund of Thailand and the Ministry of Education, with experts and researchers on Learning Cities and lifelong learning
● Representatives from international organizations including UNESCO, UN-Habitat, UNDP and NGOs
The organizer will provide the nominated international participants with a round-trip Economy-class air ticket, accommodation, meals, and terminal fares. The details of the logistical arrangements will be provided in the general information note.
The main language of the conference will be English with simultaneous translation in Thai.
Venue:
InterContinental Bangkok Hotel
973 Phloen Chit Road, Lumpini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand