Warangal is now in list of UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities

Warangal: Warangal, the second biggest city in Telangana State after Hyderabad and the ‘heritage city’ has got one more feather in its cap with the selection of a member of UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC).

The announcement was made through the official twitter account of the Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO on Monday evening. “Warangal joins UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities ! https://uil.unesco.org/city/warangal, (sic)” the tweet said.

Congratulating Warangal on this occasion, union Minister of Culture and Tourism G Kishan Reddy also congratulated Warangal city and Telangana on the momentous occasion. “Warangal in Telangana state joins UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities! Congratulations Warangal and Telangana on this momentous occasion. After the inscription of World Heritage Site Tag by UNESCO to the Great Ramappa Temple in Warangal, Telangana gets its second recognition in the last 1 year by the UNESCO, (sic)” he tweeted.

In order to support local bodies in developing concrete strategies for building learning cities, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) established the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) which aims to support and accelerate the practice of lifelong learning.

Through its activities, the GNLC promotes policy dialogue, peer learning and collaboration among the more than 200 member cities across the world. The UNESCO GNLC also aims to



contribute towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (‘Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’) and SDG 11 (‘Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable’).

The call for the membership applications “UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC)” was initiated in August 2021. Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation (GWMC) submitted the application to the UNESCO GNLC through the National Commission of UNESCO – Delhi. It was endorsed in January 2022.

The application focused on City’s plan to implement the Lifelong learning concepts, the involvement of stakeholders, mobilisation of the resources, Equity and Inclusiveness, and framework for monitoring the Lifelong Learning. As a UNESCO GNLC Member, Warangal will benefit a) Receiving guidance and support during their journey towards building a learning city b) Being part of a dynamic network and strengthening their own partnerships and networks c) Receiving recognition for their efforts and showcasing the actions of their city, according to the GWMC officials.

“Several initiatives which we have implemented and have been on the charts fall within the UNESCO’s framework of the Learning Cities. Our city is committed towards implementing the framework for Lifelong Learning, benefit and grow together through peer learning opportunities,” the official added.