Kirklees has become one of 77 places in 44 countries to join the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC).
An international network, it consists of cities and places that successfully promote lifelong learning across their communities.
The council’s commitment across the district to sustainability and health, equity and inclusion, and entrepreneurship is evidenced through policies, plans and projects. It is the outstanding efforts in these areas that have been recognised and resulted in membership.
UNESCO in particular highlighted good practices in a number of areas. These included work to widen participation and foster democracy locally for the next generation, and engaging young people to break barriers to redress historical injustices and inequalities. Kirklees Year of Music 2023, a place-based initiative using music as a tool to address issues, tackle inequalities and raise aspirations among individuals and communities, was also recognised.
In total there are 294 cities from all around the world that share inspiration, know-how and best practice among each other.
The council has also recently launched a new, long-term vision for education across Kirklees.
‘Our Kirklees Futures’ is a highly ambitious plan to help children and learners of all ages reach their full potential and equip them with skills to succeed throughout life.
Our Kirklees Futures brings together the full range of education providers, plus wider partners, with the goal that every child, young person and learner will have the best start in life.
The plan shapes learning all the way through to 2030 and establishes the values of strong, inclusive, supportive and high-achieving education.
Image: West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Councillor Will Simpson, Cabinet Member for Culture and Greener Kirklees said:
“I am absolutely delighted that Kirklees has been chosen to become a member of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. It proves our commitment to supporting and accelerating the practice of learning for everyone in our district. We want to enable people of all ages, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds to benefit from quality education and lifelong learning opportunities in Kirklees.”
Cllr Carole Pattison, Cabinet Member for Learning, Aspiration and Communities, said: “This endorsement from UNESCO shows that Kirklees is leading the way in developing education and learning.
“The Our Kirklees Futures vision will benefit learners for many years to come, improving thousands of lives and providing a legacy of excellence.”
Audrey Azoulay UNESCO Director-General said: “With more than half of humanity living in urban areas, cities and districts like Kirklees have the power to drive lifelong learning policies by implementing and supporting local initiatives and bring bottom-up change. Kirklees has a wealth of expertise and commitment to ensuring that the right to education becomes a reality for people of all ages.”
