Hanoi organizes Lifelong Learning Forum, aiming to join UNESCO's Global Network of Learning Cities

Students of Phan Huy Chu High School performed to celebrate the event.

On the morning of April 26, at Phan Huy Chu High School - Dong Da, the Hanoi Department of Education and Training solemnly organized the "Forum on Lifelong Learning and Building a Learning Society" with the theme "Lifelong Learning to Become Useful People".

The forum demonstrated the spirit and response of the people of the capital in general and the education and training sector of Hanoi in particular to lifelong learning in the spirit of General Secretary To Lam: "Lifelong learning to dare to think, dare to speak, dare to do, dare to take responsibility, dare to sacrifice for the common good, to become useful people"; at the same time, this is also a concrete step to prepare for Hanoi to join the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.

Determined to implement the General Secretary's direction, moving towards becoming a Global Learning City

Speaking at the opening of the forum, Mr. Tran The Cuong - Director of the Hanoi Department of Education and Training affirmed: With the theme "Lifelong learning to become a useful person", the forum is not only a practical activity responding to the goal of building Hanoi as a global learning city, but also an opportunity to share, exchange and propose practical solutions to spread the spirit of lifelong learning to all classes of people, contributing to building a learning society in the capital Hanoi.

Mr. Tran The Cuong - Director of Hanoi Department of Education and Training delivered the opening speech of the forum.

UNESCO Representative in Vietnam, Mr. Jonathan Wallace Baker, also spoke at the event, highly appreciating Hanoi’s efforts in integrating lifelong learning into its sustainable development and international integration strategy. He affirmed that UNESCO is ready to accompany and support Hanoi in the process of completing the criteria and dossier to join this global network.

Mr. Jonathan Wallace Baker - UNESCO Representative in Vietnam spoke at the event.

In her speech, Ms. Vu Thu Ha - Vice Chairwoman of the City People's Committee affirmed the determination of the Capital in completing the dossier to join the Global Learning Cities Network in 2025, considering this a turning point to promote the building of a comprehensive learning society, leaving no one behind. According to her, the forum is a specific and strategic initiative of Hanoi to promote the effective implementation of Plan No. 11/KH-UBND dated January 7, 2025 of the City People's Committee on building Hanoi into a "Learning City" according to UNESCO's orientation.

Ms. Vu Thu Ha - Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee spoke at the event.

Emotional touches send a powerful message about lifelong learning

One of the most emotional highlights of the Forum was the conversation with inspirational figures – typical examples of lifelong learning spirit from many different backgrounds: teacher Pham Thi Huyen with nearly 30 years of free charity teaching; Mr. Pham Quoc Viet – founder of the FAS Angel rescue team, still diligently studying in grade 10 with the hope of gaining more knowledge to help more people; Mr. Pham Quang Giang – Chairman of the Association of the Blind in Ninh Binh province, determined to return to school after nearly 20 years of hiatus to set an example for his children and inspire those in similar unfortunate circumstances.

Inspiring characters share stories and messages of lifelong learning.

In addition to the inspirational sharing from the characters, the forum also brought an emotional artistic highlight through the introduction of good books elaborately staged by teachers and students of Phan Huy Chu High School. With a skit introducing the work "The Mystery of Water" by writer Bao Ninh, the students brought the audience back to the tragic but proud memories of the nation during war and natural disasters. The story poignantly portrayed the value of life, of compassion, and aroused the immortal spirit of striving in every Vietnamese person.

A skit introducing the work "The Mystery of Water" by writer Bao Ninh.

Strong commitment to the future

Hanoi is actively preparing to officially join the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities – a gathering place of typical cities in the world committed to comprehensively developing learning opportunities for all people, of all ages and all social classes. To realize this goal, the Capital not only focuses on investing in infrastructure, policies and technology, but also places special emphasis on fostering the spirit of lifelong learning from each individual and each community, in a practical and sustainable way.

The Lifelong Learning Forum and Building a Learning Society are vivid evidence of that determination. When the city leaders and the education sector show strong commitment; when simple but profound stories about the will to learn are shared; when good books are spread; and when lifelong learning commitments are solemnly signed under the tree of knowledge - all have created a picture of consensus and unity of the entire political system and the people of the Capital in the journey of building Hanoi - a global learning city, where knowledge becomes the foundation for sustainable development and no one is left behind.

Delegates participate in experiential activities at the event:

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/ha-noi-to-chuc-dien-dan-hoc-tap-suot-doi-huong-toi-gia-nhap-mang-luoi-thanh-pho-hoc-tap-toan-cau-cua-unesco-312602.html