UNESCO Learning Cities webinar: ‘Cities in emergencies - Safeguarding lifelong learning’

Описание: On 18 March 2026, the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities held the webinar, ‘Cities in emergencies - Safeguarding lifelong learning’.

Emergencies such as war, natural disasters and health crises place sustained pressure on urban learning systems, disrupting access to education, livelihoods and community life. This webinar examined how cities can safeguard lifelong learning under conditions of instability, drawing on education in emergencies approaches and city-level practice.

The session focused on practical municipal responses, including maintaining continuity of learning provision, supporting psychosocial and community-based programmes, promoting reskilling and labour market adaptation, and ensuring inclusive access for displaced and affected populations. The emphasis was on how cities protect and adapt learning ecosystems during ongoing emergencies, not only in recovery phases but throughout prolonged crisis contexts.

About the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities
The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities comprises 425 cities from 91 countries which are home to 498 million people. A defining feature of UNESCO learning cities is their ability to connect education, training and cultural institutions while engaging diverse partners, including public-sector representatives, civil society organizations and employers. These cities effectively mobilize resources across sectors to promote inclusive, quality learning at all levels, from basic to higher education. They enhance learning within families and communities, support workplace education, and expand the use of modern learning technologies.

The Global Network of Learning Cities’ activities are an instrument for the implementation of the Marrakech Framework for Action, describing cities as an essential component of learning societies.
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Programme
00:00 - 03:58 - Welcome and agenda overview by
Alex Howells, UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning 

03:59 - 10:55 Overview of UNESCO’s work for Education in Emergencies 
Min Zhang, Project Officer, UNESCO 

10:56 - 21:41 Expert input  
Jo Kelcey, Assistant Professor of Education, Lebanese American University 

21:42 - 30:26 Presentations from UNESCO Learning Cities - Kharkiv, Ukraine 
Oleg Tovkun, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department, Kharkiv City Council 

30:27 - 36:11 Hatay, Türkiye 
Burcu Yıldız, Hatay Metropolitan Municipality 

36:12 - 49:31 General Escobedo, Mexico 
Hugo Espiricueta Sanchez, Secretario de Cultura, Educación y Recreación Social

49:32 - 59:30 Q&A 
59:31 - Closing