Three Saudi cities join the UNESCO Learning Cities Network 2025
In a move reflecting the rapid development of the education and human development system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially announced the accreditation of three new Saudi cities within the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) for 2025. This achievement included the capital, Riyadh, the historic city of Al-Ula in the Madinah region, and the city of Riyadh Al-Khabra in the Qassim region.
Global standards and national targets
This selection followed the three cities' success in meeting UNESCO's rigorous international standards, which focus on cities' ability to effectively mobilize resources across all sectors to promote inclusive learning for all, from primary to higher education. These cities have demonstrated their effectiveness in integrating learning into the daily lives of citizens and residents, not only in schools but also in workplaces, public facilities, and homes, creating an environment conducive to innovation and creativity.
What is the UNESCO Learning Cities Network?
The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, established to promote a culture of lifelong learning, is an international platform that aims to support and improve learning practices in cities worldwide. The network fosters policy dialogue and peer-to-peer learning among member cities, builds partnerships, provides capacity-building, and develops tools to encourage and recognize progress in building learning cities. The participation of Saudi cities in this network means their engagement in exchanging experiences with hundreds of leading global cities in the fields of sustainable development and education.
Saudi expansion reflects Vision 2030
With this latest addition, the total number of Saudi cities accredited within the global network rises to eight. The three new cities (Riyadh, Al-Ula, and Riyadh Al-Khabra) join the existing list, which includes Jubail Industrial City, Yanbu Industrial City, Madinah, Al-Ahsa, and King Abdullah Economic City. This expansion is a tangible testament to the success of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 programs, particularly the Human Capital Development Program, which aims to cultivate globally competitive citizens by promoting the values of lifelong learning.
Economic and social impact
This achievement is not merely a matter of prestige; it also carries significant developmental dimensions. Educational cities contribute directly to:
- Workforce rehabilitation: by upgrading skills to meet the demands of modern and changing labor markets.
- Keeping up with technology: Enhancing individuals' ability to deal with modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
- Social sustainability: Promoting literacy programs and expanding the culture of entrepreneurship, which contributes to reducing unemployment rates and improving the quality of life.
This international accreditation confirms that the Kingdom is moving steadily towards consolidating its position as an influential soft power in the global educational and cultural landscape, providing a model to be emulated in transforming cities into environments that foster science and knowledge.
