Hanoi officially joins UNESCO's global network of learning cities

Education & Training - Hanoi is one of 72 cities recently recognized as members of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.

Initiatives that make a lasting impression

On December 5, information from the Hanoi Department of Education and Training said: After a process of reviewing documents with many very high criteria, the United Nations Educational , Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially announced 72 cities from 46 countries recognized as members of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, including the capital Hanoi of Vietnam.

This noble title is a worthy recognition from the international community for Hanoi's persistent and creative efforts in building a comprehensive learning society where all people have the opportunity to learn throughout their lives, contributing to promoting sustainable, creative and inclusive socio -economic development.

As the leading political , economic, cultural and educational center of Vietnam, Hanoi plays a key role in training and fostering high-quality human resources and discovering and nurturing talents. The city concentrates more than 70% of the country's universities, research institutes, scientific and technological organizations; owns 82% of the laboratories and more than 65% of the team of leading scientists.

Hanoi's education system spans from kindergarten to university with 121 universities and academies; 352 vocational training institutions; 2,913 kindergartens and general schools; 526 community learning centers; 1,192 libraries, and many community living spaces, serving the lifelong learning needs of the people.

In the process of building a learning city, Hanoi not only shows its determination through strategic directives but also proactively implements many specific initiatives.

Notably, 3 typical projects have made a clear mark, contributing to realizing the goal of building Hanoi into a global learning city according to UNESCO's orientation, including: Happy School Model, School Stage Project and Program to Promote Lifelong Learning Movement in Families, Clans and Communities.

The Happy School model has been effectively implemented in Hanoi.

Regarding the "Happy School" model, Hanoi implemented it according to UNESCO's recommendations with a set of 15 criteria, focusing on building a safe, creative and learner-centered school environment. This initiative not only contributes to improving the quality of education but also creates a foundation for forming a positive, humane and sustainable school culture.

Launched in 2022, the "School Stage" Project has brought traditional theatrical arts (cheo, cai luong, drama, etc.) to schools as a form of aesthetic and national cultural education. This is a cross-disciplinary educational model, connecting schools with the arts, contributing to the development of students' ability to perceive, create and raise cultural awareness.

For the Program "Promoting lifelong learning movement in families, clans, and communities in the period of 2021 - 2030", Hanoi aims to promote multi-generational and inter-generational learning and strengthen community cohesion through learning activities. The program has contributed to spreading the culture of learning to all classes of people, promoting the improvement of vocational skills and life skills - especially in the context of strong urbanization and digital transformation.

Hanoi is recognized as a member of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.

The result of persistent efforts

It can be seen that Hanoi's recognition as a Global Learning City does not come from a few individual factors, but is the result of a persistent process of building a vision, perfecting policies, investing in infrastructure and nurturing a learning culture in the community.

These achievements show that Hanoi is on the right track when considering people as the center, knowledge as the driving force and lifelong learning as the key to development. The UNESCO title is both a recognition and a commitment for the capital to continue expanding learning opportunities for all citizens, gradually building a modern, humane and sustainable society.

Mr. Tran The Cuong - Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Council, former Director of Hanoi Department of Education and Training commented: Hanoi's participation in UNESCO's Global Learning Cities Network is a shared joy for Hanoi and Vietnam, marking another important success in the extremely good cooperative relationship between Vietnam and UNESCO.

This is also a concrete step to implement the Project on International Integration in Education and Training to 2030 approved by the Prime Minister in December 2024 and Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW dated August 22, 2025 of the Politburo on breakthroughs in education and training development.

Mr. Tran The Cuong affirmed that lifelong learning is not a slogan but a motto, a cultural feature of every Hanoian. In this journey, every organization, every community, every citizen has a role and responsibility. Hanoi is committed to continuing to implement practical and effective lifelong learning activities.

Lifelong learning is not a slogan but a motto, a cultural feature of every Hanoian.

According to information from the Hanoi Department of Education and Training, the Global Learning Cities Network was established by UNESCO in 2013, as an international exchange platform, facilitating member cities to share professional experience as well as practical lessons in maintaining a "Learning City".

A "Learning City" is a city/administrative unit that has successfully implemented and is committed to continuing to implement a range of policies that promote quality education and lifelong learning for all citizens. With the addition of new Learning Cities this year, the Network now has 425 member cities in 91 countries worldwide.

Joining the Global Learning Cities Network will give Hanoi more opportunities to exchange ideas, knowledge and experiences with other Learning Cities around the world and with the world's leading experts in education.

Hanoi will also have more opportunities to attract investment and international cooperation in the field of education with other Learning Cities, becoming a model for building a learning society and a bright spot in the region in educational, cultural and creative cooperation.

Previously, the cities of Sa Dec, Cao Lanh (Dong Thap province), Vinh (Nghe An province), Son La (Son La province) and Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam were honored to be recognized as members of this Network. Thus, up to now, Vietnam has a total of 6 cities recognized as members of the "Global Network of Learning Cities".

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/ha-noi-chinh-thuc-tham-gia-mang-luoi-cac-thanh-pho-hoc-tap-toan-cau-cua-unesco-post759492.html