On the morning of November 15, 2023, the SEAMEO CELLL organized an online workshop on “Learning Cities: What they are and How to register on UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities” (GNLC). SEAMEO CELLL was honored to welcome Professor O’ Tuama – President of the Asia-Europe Meeting Lifelong Learning Hub (ASEM LLL Hub) to present at the seminar, along with representatives from the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO and leaders from the cities of Vinh, Sa Dec, and Cao Lanh – three Vietnamese cities that are part of the GNLC network. The event also greatly appreciated the participation of over 90 leaders, experts, and esteemed educators from Departments and Offices of Education and Training, the Vietnam Association for Education for All (VAEFA), Provincial Study Promotion Associations, as well as from universities, colleges, and schools at all levels.

Kicking off the seminar, Mr. Khau Huu Phuoc, Manager of Research and Training at SEAMEO CELLL, extended a warm welcome to the attendees and expressed his gratitude to the speakers for their participation. Following that, Dr. Le Thi My Ha, Director of SEAMEO CELLL, delivered the welcome remarks and wished the seminar a success.

Professor O’ Tuama presented on Learning Cities, outlining the concept, the criteria that need to be met, as well as sharing insights on successful learning cities around the world and lessons that can be drawn from these exemplary cases.

Next up, Mr. Ta Quoc Khanh, representing the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, introduced and shared insights on the process of joining UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities.

After a short break, the seminar resumed with Professor O’ Tuama’s presentation on Cork City – a prime example of a successful Learning City in Ireland, where he lives and works.

After that, Ms. Tran Thi Lan Phuong, on behalf of Sa Dec City – one of 3 cities in Vietnam that has successfully registered to GNLC – presented about the how the city implemented the plan to build a learning city, as well as the learned experiences throughout the process.

The seminar concluded with a Q&A session where speakers engaged with the participants. Professor O’ Tuama and Ms. Lan Phuong helped address inquiries from Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy (representative of VAEFA) and Dr. Tran Dinh Chau.

In closing, Mr. Khau Huu Phuoc expressed his gratitude to the speakers, summarised the seminar, and invited the delegates to the next event organized by SEAMEO CELLL on Kominkan – Japan’s community learning centers, scheduled for December 8, 2023.

The online seminar on Learning Cities was a great success, featuring speakers from both domestic and international backgrounds, as well as the enthusiastic participation and contributions of over 90 leaders, experts, and educators from provinces nationwide. SEAMEO CELLL hopes this marks a great beginning and a solid launchpad for many Vietnamese cities to become members of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, further advancing lifelong learning both nationally and regionally.