UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
04/18/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/18/2024 07:38
UNESCO salutes Bangkok on its entry into the Global Network of Learning Cities
The UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok (UNESCO Bangkok) has expressed its readiness to work with Bangkok in its ongoing efforts to promote 'Learning for Life, Opportunities for All', as Thailand's capital city joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) earlier this year.
UNESCO/S. Ussavasodhi
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) organized a public event and press conference at Benchakitti Forest Park, in the capital's central district, on 31 March 2024, to elaborate on BMA policies promoting lifelong learning towards making Bangkok a more sustainable UNESCO Learning City. The BMA's policies were unveiled as part of the 'BKK Read & Learn Festival', which featured a host of learning activities and booths highlighting reading and children's educational games.
UNESCO/S. Ussavasodhi
In describing the BMA's protocol for mapping out its education policies and plans, Bangkok Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon remarked, 'We promote 'Learning for Life' and 'Opportunities for All' because learning does not end in school, and we need to think about what can be done to make education more equitable. Early childhood care and education, compulsory education, skills development, and lifelong learning for all, anywhere, anytime, are at the core of our efforts. This is just the start, and we have a long journey ahead.'
UNESCO/S. Ussavasodhi
Initiatives will be spearheaded by the BMA in collaboration with many Bangkok Learning City Partners, such as the Equitable Education Fund (Thailand), the Office of Knowledge Management and Development, Thailand Knowledge Park, and the Programme Management Unit on Area Based Development, among others. Thailand's capital boasts numerous educational facilities and other learning spaces in its 1,400+ schools; more than 50 vocational institutions and colleges; learning encouragement centres in each district; 37 libraries and mobile libraries; and nearly 260 museums.
On the recent recognition of Bangkok as a UNESCO Global Learning City, UNESCO Bangkok education programme specialist Rika Yorozu stated, 'Learning is a powerful means for people to take action towards sustainable development. Bangkok has been selected as a member of the UNESCO GNLC this year, recognizing the numerous education facilities across the city. Joining this network opens doors to exchange experiences with 355 other Learning Cities in 79 countries promoting lifelong learning for all. UNESCO stands ready to support Bangkok Learning City, and UNESCO also appreciates the support that the Thai Government is providing to build learning cities across the country.'
UNESCO/S. Ussavasodhi
Together with UNESCO Learning Cities partners, UNESCO Bangkok is planning to organize a networking event later this year for Learning Cities in South-East Asia, as well as in China, Japan and the Republic of Korea. The UNESCO GNLC will also organize a series of webinars in the runup to the UN 'Summit of the Future', which will take place at UN Headquarters, in New York, in September. Meanwhile, the Global Conference on Learning Cities is scheduled to take place in Jubail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in December 2024, with a key theme on climate actions through lifelong learning.
Bangkok, Khon Kaen and Yala joined the GNLC in February of this year. There are now 10 UNESCO Learning Cities distributed throughout Thailand, namely Bangkok, Chachoengsao, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, Phayao, Phuket, Sukhothai and Yala.
Click here for more information on the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.
#Literacy&LifelongLearning
By Santibhap Ussavasodhi, Public Information Assistant, Communications and Public Engagement Team, UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok