The first International Conference of Learning Cities organized by UNESCO was held in Beijing on October 21th, 2013. Vice Premier of the State Council Liu Yandong addressed the conference at the opening ceremony. Liu Yandong pointed out that this conference, with the theme of “All citizens to carry on lifelong learning: city’s inclusiveness, prosperity and sustainable development”, was very meaningful for advancing fairness and justice, promoting social harmony, improving people’s well-being and creating a bright future. The Chinese government has been laying high emphasis on learning for all and lifelong learning, and considers the construction of learning cities as an important component for realizing “Chinese Dream”. It has also paid attention to the close integration of economic development and social progress, especially the new-type urbanization process, pushed forward the emergence of learning organizations, promoted the joint development of degree and non-degree education, vocational education and general education and pre- and post-service education, and built such public service platforms as community education, industry and enterprise training, online learning, open learning and distance learning so as to make lifelong learning a kind of state of mind and lifestyle for all the people.
Liu Yandong advocated that each country should insist on a people-oriented spirit to meet the learning needs of different groups in cities, and build up a learning society; to inspire creative potential and to promote the harmonious and civilized development of economy, politics, culture, society and ecology in the city; to create a studying atmosphere so as to promote communication, understanding, mutual trust and cultural identity among different cultures, nations and levels of society; to reinforce international cooperation and advance communication and mutual learning to carry out the construction of learning cities in a varied and colorful manner. Chinese government would, as always, support relevant work of UNESCO, and contribute Chinese wisdom and strength to international society.
More than 500 representatives from 102 member countries of UNESCO attended this meeting. The Open University of China (OUC) also took part, showcasing information on its achievements.
Xi’an Community College (Xi’an Radio and TV University), as a representative of Chinese learning cities, attended the meeting. It was reported that “Constructing an international historic city in an open, inclusive, intelligent and creative way —the example of constructing a learning city in Xi’an of Shaanxi province”, written by Xi’an Community College, was chosen to be included in “Cases of Construction of Learning Cities in China” (First Edition).
Leaders of the Ministry of Education (MOE) visiting exhibition area
President of the OUC Yang Zhijian introducing information achievements to the Deputy Minister of the MOE
Vice President of the OUC Zhang Shaogang introducing the exhibition area to visitors
Exhibition area of the OUC
By Yu Minsheng