Hanoi Department of Education and Training launches Lifelong Learning Week 2024 (Photo:nhandan.vn)
On December 4, following a rigorous evaluation process with high standards, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially announced 72 cities from 46 countries as members of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, including the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi.
The prestigious recognition demonstrates the international community’s acknowledgment of Hanoi’s persistent and creative efforts to build an inclusive learning society where all residents have access to lifelong learning as a contribution to sustainable, innovative, and inclusive socio-economic development.
It is also the result of coordinated efforts over recent years by the Hanoi People’s Committee, the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, the Department of External Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education and Training, the Vietnamese Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, domestic and international experts and scholars, as well as the active participation of Hanoi residents.
Deputy Foreign Minister and Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO Ngo Le Van welcomed the designation, noting it as a concrete implementation of the Party and State’s policies promoting lifelong learning and the development of a nationwide learning society.
He cited Party General Secretary To Lam as saying that to successfully fulfill responsibilities and tasks in the new period, lifelong learning is essential to dare to think, speak, act, take responsibility, and make sacrifices for the common interest, becoming useful individuals, especially for officials and staff within the political system.”
Ambassador Nguyen Thi Van Anh, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to UNESCO highlighted that the recognition brings shared pride to Hanoi and the nation, marking another important success in the country’s strong cooperation with UNESCO. It also represents a concrete step in implementing the International Integration in Education and Training Project toward 2030, approved by the Prime Minister in December 2024, and the Politburo’s Resolution No.71 dated Aug. 22, 2025, on breakthrough development in education and training.
Established in 2013, UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities provides an international platform for member cities to share professional expertise and practical lessons in sustaining a “Learning City.” A ‘learning city’ is a city or administrative unit that has successfully implemented and remains committed to implementing multiple policies promoting quality education and lifelong learning for all citizens. With the addition of new learning cities this year, the Network now comprises 425 member cities across 91 countries worldwide.
Membership in the Global Network of Learning Cities will provide Hanoi with opportunities to exchange ideas, knowledge, and experiences with other learning cities across the globe, work with leading education experts, attract investment, and strengthen international cooperation in education, positioning the capital as a model for building a learning society and a regional bright spot for education, culture, and innovation.
Previously, the Vietnamese cities of Sa Dec, Cao Lanh in southern Dong Thap province, Vinh in northern Nghe An province, Son La in northern Son La province, and Ho Chi Minh City were honored as members of the network. With Hanoi’s inclusion, Vietnam now has six cities recognized as members of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.
