JEDDAH — The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has approved the inclusion of three new Saudi cities into its Global Network of Learning Cities: Madinah, King Abdullah Economic City, and Al-Ahsa Governorate. This addition follows the 2022 recognition of Yanbu and Jubail as industrial cities of learning, with Jubail notably receiving the award for the best educational city due to its high-quality education and commitment to comprehensive and sustainable development. With these new additions, Saudi Arabia's representation in the network has expanded to five cities. This growth aligns with the country's efforts to cultivate globally competitive citizens, echoing the sustainable development goals and the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030. Learning cities in the network pledge to utilize their resources across all sectors to foster comprehensive learning opportunities for all ages, encourage learning within families and local communities, and enhance the use of modern educational tools to support a culture of lifelong learning. The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities aims to bolster and advance lifelong learning initiatives worldwide, facilitating dialogue on education policies and fostering strong partnerships between cities, enhancing both local and international educational practices.
