UNESCO grants Ajman membership to Global Network of Learning Cities

AJMAN, 26th February, 2024 (WAM) -- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) granted the Emirate of Ajman membership to the Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC).

Ajman joins 356 cities worldwide, showcasing its commitment to lifelong learning and fostering the exchange of ideas between member cities to achieve quality education.

Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, confirmed that Ajman’s selection as a GNLC member is a testament to the UAE’s efforts to provide an ideal infrastructure for learning. It also reflects Ajman’s efforts in adopting comprehensive and sustainable strategies in the field of education.

He added, "The Ministry of Culture extended support to the emirate’s candidacy for the GNLC membership through the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. The Commission was involved in every step of the process from the time when Ajman’s candidacy was submitted until it reached the nomination and selection stage taking charge of coordination and follow-up with UNESCO and its partners.

"These efforts reflect the ministry’s commitment to realising the vision of our wise leadership. In line with the national agenda to achieve sustainable development goals, we are committed to developing synergies between various government entities to enhance competitiveness and best practices. Creating a conducive environment for high-quality learning is imperative to boost the nation’s vision for the next 50 years. Building a robust educational infrastructure plays an important role in achieving the ambitious goals of the National Strategy for Higher Education 2030, which aims to create the world’s top educational model and prepare students with knowledge and skills to be future-ready."

Ajman’s selection as a network member came after the General Secretariat of the Executive Council of Ajman prepared an integrated file in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture. It demonstrates the joint efforts of various educational agencies and institutions in the emirate to promote comprehensive learning using sustainable methods and resources. This, in turn, would lead to enhancing the culture of education by involving all members of society in awareness programmes and initiatives that contribute to social cohesion and prosperous societies.

Dr. Saeed Saif Al Matrooshi, Secretary-General of the Ajman Executive Council, announced that the Emirate of Ajman has joined the GNLC, in line with the Ajman government’s commitment to the directives of H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Ajman Executive Council, to enhance learning opportunities for all, support individual empowerment and social integration, and achieve sustainable development.

Dr. Al Matrooshi added that joining the GNLC supports Ajman’s vision of building an educated generation and a skilled workforce equipped with the knowledge and capabilities for progress. It also enhances the values of tolerance, coexistence, and understanding that the emirate embraces while providing competition and innovation opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors to create a sustainable educational environment for all.

He stressed the importance of transforming education into a lifelong vocation that extends beyond formal education. This approach will help in facing challenges and seizing future opportunities, by integrating lifelong learning into every stage of an individual’s journey.

Ajman will contribute effectively to the GNLC by participating in international events, exchanging experiences, and launching innovative educational initiatives aimed at contributing significantly to the advancement of lifelong learning and sustainable development globally.

The GNLC includes 356 cities from all over the world, including the Emirates of Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah. Learning cities aim to promote comprehensive education from basic education to higher education, encourage learning in families and communities, and facilitate learning in the workplace. They also encourage the use of modern educational technologies, raising the quality and excellence of learning and promoting a culture of learning throughout life.

The GNLC is an international network geared towards knowledge creation and exchange, peer learning, and capacity building. Members of the network at UNESCO benefit from exchanging lifelong learning strategies and practices with other cities in the network, developing and exchanging knowledge about key challenges and solutions, and participating in training initiatives and in regional and global events.