Cao Lanh city in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap is one of 76 cities from 43 other countries in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.

This award aimed to honor the cities for their great efforts in promoting lifelong learning in the community.

The recognition is expected to help locals have more favorable opportunities in exchanging their ideas, knowledge and experience with other member cities around the world, as well as access to experts and researchers in the field of education, to update knowledge and practices.

Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, said the newly-recognized learning cities are well-deserved thanks to their excellent expertise and efforts to transform the interests in learning into reality.

Cao Lanh city has introduced much innovative software and organized seminars, conferences and meetings related to education and reading.

Besides, the locality has actively promoted the role of student and youth unions at all levels in gathering and building a generation of Vietnamese people who are passionate about learning, business, science and technology.

The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), as coordinator of the network, admitted the new members following their nomination by the National Commissions for UNESCO in the countries.

A strong commitment to lifelong learning by the city administration is key to becoming a learning city.

As part of their application process, potential UNESCO GNLC members must demonstrate a clear vision for providing lifelong learning opportunities for everyone in the community. Once admitted, cities are expected to take part in the activities of the network and to produce a biennial report outlining their achievements as learning cities.