Benguerir designated UNESCO Learning City 2024

Benguerir, which became a UNESCO Learning City in 2020, is among the ten cities that received the UN award at the opening, on Monday, of the sixth International Conference on Learning Cities in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, for "their outstanding achievements in promoting lifelong learning," indicates a UNESCO statement.



"Benguerir has made considerable progress since becoming a UNESCO learning city in 2020," notes the UN organization, which considers the Moroccan city as "a model of inclusive and innovative lifelong learning."

"Supported by a 164% increase in the lifelong learning budget for 2024, the city focuses on strong multi-stakeholder coordination and a results-oriented strategy," notes UNESCO, which cites among the main initiatives the "2nd Chance School" for the reintegration of school dropouts, a literacy program aimed at reducing the illiteracy rate by 36.2% among women, community learning spaces such as digital libraries, and personalized support for marginalized groups, including autistic and non-verbal children.

In a video posted on this occasion on the UNESCO website, the mayor of Benguerir, Abdellatif Ouardi, said he was "proud" of the Moroccan city's membership in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, ensuring that since its admission to this network, Benguerir has put all its energies and human, material, and financial resources at the service of learning and lifelong learning for the benefit of all citizens of the city, "a global and inclusive learning."

He concluded that "thanks to the convergence of all stakeholders and the harmonious efforts of all involved, Benguerir as a learning city has become a tangible reality."

In addition to Benguerir, nine other cities received the 2024 UNESCO Learning City Award. These are Bouaké (Côte d'Ivoire), Cork (Ireland), Cuenca (Ecuador), Doha (Qatar), Eunpyeong-gu (Republic of Korea), Glasgow (United Kingdom), Querétaro (Mexico), Wuhan (China), and the Industrial City of Yanbu (Saudi Arabia).

Representing both large metropolises and small urban areas, the awarded cities have demonstrated, according to UNESCO, "how the implementation of effective policies and programs can give citizens of all ages learning opportunities."

The winning cities were selected by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), based on the recommendations of an independent jury of international experts.

"Cities are home to more than half of the world's population and must be at the forefront of transformative changes. This year's UNESCO Learning City Award winners demonstrate the power of lifelong learning that enables citizens to adapt, innovate, and collaborate to find solutions to our planet's most urgent challenges. Their commitment to inclusion and sustainability paves the way for a fairer and more prosperous future for all," explained Isabell Kempf, Director of the UIL, quoted in the statement.

The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) brings together 356 cities from 79 countries, which are home to 390 million inhabitants.

UNESCO learning cities are characterized by their ability to link educational, training, and cultural institutions while mobilizing various partners, including representatives of the public sector, civil society organizations, and employers. These cities effectively mobilize resources across all sectors to promote inclusive and quality learning at all levels, from basic education to higher education. They improve learning within families and communities, support workplace education, and develop the use of modern learning technologies.

Every three years, members meet at the International Conference on Learning Cities to take stock of progress, address challenges, and develop solutions for the future together.