Muscat:The Wilayat of Muscat Learning Cities Team is actively participating in the Global Academy of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities 2026. This program, organized by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning in collaboration with Shanghai Open University, includes participation from 32 cities worldwide, such as Shanghai, Turin, and Nairobi.
According to Oman News Agency, Muscat's involvement in the Academy is a significant step in its ongoing engagement with the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, of which it has been a part since 2024. This participation allows Muscat to move beyond initial membership and engage in deeper exchanges of expertise, showcasing local initiatives, and learning from global practices in areas like sustainable urban development and digital transformation.
Muscat's participation in the Academy is underscored by its historical significance as an economic hub and its development from a key maritime port to a modern metropolis. This involvement began with a preparatory phase of e-learning and practical exchanges, culminating in in-person sessions in Shanghai. Here, participants engage in workshops, field visits, and present action plans aimed at leveraging international insights for local development.
A highlight for Muscat is its scheduled presentation on "Transforming Urban Health Through Lifelong Learning" on October 14, 2026. This session will focus on local efforts to integrate health and lifelong learning, promoting healthy lifestyles, and enhancing urban health literacy, supported by collaboration among health, municipal, and community sectors.
The Academy, featuring sessions with experts and an International Conference on Digital Lifelong Learning, provides a platform for knowledge exchange and partnership building. Muscat aims to translate these experiences into a strategic action plan that enhances its learning city framework, fostering greater community engagement and sustainable development.
