‘We can define and create a better future and sustainable development through partnership and innovation.’
Dr D K Saraswat - Chair, CIE Global
‘Societies can only develop sustainably if we all learn how to live responsibly.’
Qian Tang - Assistant Director-General for Education, UNESCO
‘UNESCO has our support and cooperation towards implementing and achieving the SDGs so as the governments, the private sectors and the civil societies.’
Rezaul Hai – Chief Executive, CIE Global
‘If we follow up on our commitments and work towards the goals we have set ourselves, this vision will bear fruit.’
Arne Carlsen – Director, UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning
The Conference’s delegates and speakers – who included ministers, vice-ministers, mayors, vice-mayors and representatives of international organisations, national governments, cities, non-governmental organisations, private-sector organisations and youth representatives – stressed the importance of creating a sustainable future for learning cities. The recently adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the role that learning cities can play in achieving its goals, were therefore major topics of discussion.
About UNESCO
UNESCO is responsible for coordinating international cooperation in education, science, culture and communication. It strengthens the ties between nations and societies, and mobilizes the wider public so that each child and citizen:
• has access to quality education; a basic human right and an indispensable prerequisite for sustainable development;
• may grow and live in a cultural environment rich in diversity and dialogue, where heritage serves as a bridge between generations and peoples;
• can fully benefit from scientific advances;
• and can enjoy full freedom of expression; the basis of democracy, development and human dignity.
