Bangkok, Khon Kaen and Yala have been included in Unesco’s 2024 Global Network for Learning Cities (GNLC) for promoting lifelong learning, according to Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob.
They join other cities previously listed, including Chiang Rai (2019), Chiang Mai, Phuket and Chachoengsao (2020), and Sukhothai, Phayao and Hat Yai (2022), said Pol Gen Permpoon, who also chairs the National Commission for Unesco.
The GNLC website describes Bangkok is a city that seeks to combine learning systems to ensure access to education, with becoming a sustainable learning environment as a long-term goal.
Khon Kaen is described as a city that specialises in combining cultural learning styles to help marginalised groups.
Yala, meanwhile, is described as a city that promises smart learning development as a long-term goal, with a focus on diverse learning strategies to suit community needs.
Pol Gen Permpoon said the country’s participation in the GNLC would give people more opportunities to participate in development plans and host international academic forums.
According to Unesco, the GNLC aims to encourage “lifelong learning” and push its mission to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Cities are promoted annually for their outstanding efforts to make lifelong learning a reality for local residents, it said.
The GNLC list consists of 64 cities from 35 countries, and its network includes 356 member cities from 79 countries.
Other cities in the Asia Pacific region joining the GNLC this year are Nanjing and Suzhou in China, Legazpi in the Philippines, Busan, Seo-gu and Hanam in South Korea, and Ho Chi Minh City and Son La in Vietnam.