Wakrah joins Unesco Global Network of Learning Cities

The Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science yesterday announced that Al Wakrah has joined the Global Network of Learning Cities of Unesco Institute for Lifelong Education.Secretary-General of Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science Dr Hamda al-Sulaiti said the Al Wakrah achieved the honour after meeting all the criteria required to fill this membership by adopting the strategy of spreading sustainability concepts and partnering with civil society organisations to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030.Al-Sulaiti praised the efforts of the parties that participated in and co-operated in preparing the file of Al Wakrah for the membership, namely the National Commission, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment and the College of the North Atlantic.Addressing a press conference, she said that the project is part of Qatar and the Ministry’s keenness to join the network in order to promote inclusive learning within the educational system, achieve sustainable development, adopt the best practices and share experiences with other global cities that are clear and useful.Director of Al Wakrah Municipality Mansour Ajran al-Buainain said that the strategy adopted by Al Wakrah Municipality has contributed to achieving progress in spreading the awareness of sustainability and green buildings in general, and in educating school students about the foundations of green buildings and their principles and applying them in working life.President of the College of the North Atlantic in Qatar Dr Ken MacLeod said that Al Wakrah city has succeeded to join more than 100 learning cities in 40 countries around the world, noting that the College has for years been the designated Unesco-UNEVOC Centre in Qatar and has also been appointed as Unesco Chair on TVET and Sustainable Development in Qatar.Al Wakrah Municipality has confirmed in its membership nomination form to adopt the concept of the City of Learning, which is a solid foundation for achieving the vision of Qatar 2030, noting that the main solution to the changes in society starts from learning that alleviates the difficulties faced by governments in the world, and that preserving clean energy, using available resources, and promoting sustainable development are strategic goals for all segments of society.Lifelong learning is becoming increasingly important as an integral part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, prompting learning cities to enable their citizens to learn throughout life, enhance individual empowerment, social cohesion, and economic and cultural prosperity, thereby laying the foundation for sustainable development.