Benguerir has been recognized with UNESCO’s 2024 Learning City Award for its “exceptional” achievements in lifelong learning. The announcement came during the opening of the 6th International Conference on Learning Cities in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, where ten cities worldwide were celebrated for their innovative approaches to fostering inclusive education and learning opportunities.
Benguerir, which joined UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) in 2020, has emerged as a shining example of sustainable and inclusive educational development. “Since its inclusion in the network, Benguerir has made remarkable progress,” noted UNESCO, lauding the city’s multi-stakeholder coordination and results-driven strategies.
Pioneering initiatives in lifelong learning
Benguerir’s success stems from a significant 164% increase in its budget for lifelong learning programs in 2024. Key initiatives include:
- Second chance schools: Offering reintegration opportunities for school dropouts.
- Women’s literacy programs: Targeting a reduction in illiteracy rates, currently at 36.2%.
- Community learning spaces: Digital libraries and support for marginalized groups, such as autistic and non-verbal children.
Mayor Abdellatif Ouardi expressed pride in the city’s progress, emphasizing that Benguerir’s resources have been dedicated to creating “inclusive and global” learning opportunities for all citizens. “Through collaborative efforts from all stakeholders, Benguerir has transformed the concept of a learning city into a tangible reality,” he said in a video shared by UNESCO.
Global recognition of lifelong learning cities
Benguerir joins a distinguished group of nine other cities receiving the 2024 UNESCO Learning City Award, including:
- Bouaké (Côte d’Ivoire)
- Cork (Ireland)
- Cuenca (Ecuador)
- Doha (Qatar)
- Eunpyeong-gu (South Korea)
- Glasgow (United Kingdom)
- Querétaro (Mexico)
- Wuhan (China)
- Yanbu Industrial City (Saudi Arabia)
These cities were selected by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) based on recommendations from an independent jury of international experts.
Why learning cities matter
Learning cities like Benguerir are vital in addressing global challenges, said Isabell Kempf, UIL Director. “These cities demonstrate how effective policies and programs can empower citizens of all ages to adapt, innovate, and collaborate,” Kempf explained. She highlighted their commitment to inclusion and sustainability as a path toward a fairer and more prosperous future.
UNESCO’s ‘Global Network of Learning Cities’ (GNLC)
The GNLC comprises 356 cities from 79 countries, representing 390 million residents. These cities promote education at all levels, from basic to higher education, while connecting schools, training centers, cultural institutions, and workplaces.
Every three years, GNLC members convene to assess progress, address challenges, and develop solutions for the future. By leveraging resources across sectors, these cities create environments where education flourishes, fostering family and community learning and embracing modern learning technologies.
