Hanoi recognized by UNESCO as a Global Learning City

On December 4, UNESCO announced the list of 72 cities from 46 countries admitted to the Global Network of Learning Cities after a rigorous review process. Hanoi is among the newly honored cities, marking an important step forward in the journey of developing a learning society in Vietnam.

The recognition of the Capital as a member of the Network is a recognition by the international community for Hanoi ’s persistent efforts in promoting lifelong learning, expanding access to knowledge and building an inclusive learning environment for all citizens. This contributes to creating a foundation for the City to continue developing in a creative, sustainable and people-centered direction.

The UNESCO title is the result of close coordination between the Hanoi People's Committee, the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education and Training , and the support of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to UNESCO. Domestic and foreign experts and scientists, along with the participation of the people of the capital, also contributed significantly to the process of completing the dossier and implementing community learning models.

To date, Vietnam has a total of 6 cities participating in the Global Network of Learning Cities. (Photo: TL)

According to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO Ngo Le Van, Hanoi's recognition as a Learning City demonstrates the concretization of the Party and State's major policies on encouraging lifelong learning. He reiterated General Secretary To Lam's view that lifelong learning to dare to think, dare to do and dare to take responsibility is an urgent requirement for every citizen, especially for cadres in the political system.

Many experts also assessed this as a common joy for Hanoi and Vietnam, and an important milestone in the cooperation between Vietnam and UNESCO. Joining the Network is also in line with the orientation of the Project on International Integration in Education and Training to 2030 approved by the Prime Minister in December 2024, as well as the spirit of Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW dated August 22, 2025 on breakthroughs in education and training development.

The Global Network of Learning Cities was established by UNESCO in 2013, creating a space for cities to share experiences in education development, innovate learning models and promote lifelong learning. A Learning City is a place that has built a policy system to support people to learn anytime, anywhere, and is committed to maintaining programs to improve the quality of education. With new members recognized this year, the Network now has 425 cities in 91 countries.

Joining the Network opens up many opportunities for Hanoi to exchange expertise and learn from pioneering cities in the fields of education, innovation and human resource development. The city also has more conditions to attract international cooperation, investment and support programs in the field of education, contributing to improving the quality of training and spreading the learning society model in the region.

Before Hanoi, Vietnam had five cities recognized as members of the Network, including Sa Dec, Cao Lanh of Dong Thap province, Vinh of Nghe An province, Son La and Ho Chi Minh City. Thus, Vietnam now has a total of 6 cities participating in the Global Network of Learning Cities, affirming Vietnam's active presence in UNESCO's initiatives on education and lifelong learning.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/ha-noi-duoc-unesco-cong-nhan-la-thanh-pho-hoc-tap-toan-cau-218239.html