Colombian Network of Learning Cities Launched

This new national network aims to coordinate efforts to build smart, inclusive and sustainable cities, where creativity, science, innovation and knowledge transfer serve as pillars of development - with learning at the heart of social transformation. It seeks to foster cross-sector dialogue, strengthen local capacities, and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Federico Gutiérrez Zuluaga, Mayor of the UNESCO Learning City of Medellín, has been appointed President of the Network. He emphasized the city's strong commitment to education:

"For us, education has the most important budget line - over 10 trillion pesos in four years - not only in infrastructure, but also in educational quality, relevance, expansion and coverage. This includes higher education as well as learning processes and job training at all ages. But we must continue improving. There are many challenges, and that is the advantage of being in this network: we share good experiences, we teach others, but we also learn."

Raúl Valdés Cotera, Coordinator of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities at the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, highlighted the strategic value of national cooperation:

"National networks of Learning Cities are an important driver of exchange and action. Building on the expertise, tools and partnerships provided by the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities at the international level, they can contextualize knowledge and training to national realities, join forces for shared initiatives and help ensure that lifelong learning becomes a national development priority."

The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities currently comprises 425 cities from 91 countries, home to around 500 million people. A defining feature of UNESCO Learning Cities is their ability to link education, training and cultural institutions while engaging diverse partners - from public authorities to civil society organizations and employers. These cities mobilize resources across sectors to promote inclusive, high-quality learning at all levels, from basic to higher education. They foster learning within families and communities, support workplace learning, and expand the use of modern learning technologies.

UNESCO Learning Cities in Colombia: