School of Education

Glasgow has been revealed as a UNESCO Learning City in recognition for outstanding achievements in lifelong learning - and the University of Glasgow is delighted to be a partner.

It is the only city in Scotland bestowed this honour to date, and the only European city to be named as a Learning City in 2024, along with Cork in Ireland.

The award was announced alongside nine other world cities at a ceremony on 2 December to kick start the Sixth International Conference on Learning Cities (ICLC 6) in Jubail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The University of Glasgow is home to innovative programmes and partnerships - both global and local - that have contributed to this international accolade for the city.

Examples of inspiring and innovative practice were shared in the city’s award application, from the UNESCO Refugee Integration through Languages and the Arts; GALLANT (Glasgow as a Living Lab Accelerating Novel Transformation); PASCAL (Place And Social Capital And Learning); and GRID (Glasgow Riverside Innovation District).

Professor Rachel Sandison, Deputy Vice-Chancellor External Engagement, University of Glasgow said: “We are absolutely delighted to share with partners in this incredible achievement for the City of Glasgow and its community of learners. Learning must be accessible to all ages and backgrounds, and we strive to achieve this at the University of Glasgow through our widening participation programmes, civic engagement, partnerships and research collaborations that include the UNESCO Chair GALLANT, and GRID.

“It is extremely exciting to see Glasgow recognised as an outstanding global exemplar, and we look forward to making the most of the opportunities this brings, both as the University of Glasgow and a Glasgow Learning City partner, to the communities we serve.”

Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for our city and very well deserved.

“Glasgow launched itself as a learning city in 1999 and this concept has been the driving force for the city’s development in lifelong learning.

“Many stakeholders across the city contributed to the bid process and is a testament to the commitment and dedication of all those delivering education and who are enhancing and nurturing the needs of all ages in Glasgow.

“Learning improves all our lives and our communities, and it continues far beyond school, further and higher education – 38% of Glasgow’s population is over 45 years old.”

Professor Catherine Lido, Director of PASCAL Europe within the School of Education at the university, and Professor Emeritus Michael Osborne, who formerly held that role, said: "We are delighted to have supported the city of Glasgow in its successful application to achieve a UNESCO Learning City Award. It is a member of PASCAL’s own Learning City Network, and there is no doubt in our mind that it ranks with the very best in enacting the principles of a learning city. It has shown for over two decades the ability to mobilise its resources and those of all its partners in every sector to promote inclusive learning from basic to higher education, and its work is underpinned by unparalleled commitment from its leaders."

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First published: 6 December 2024