Muscat joins UNESCO learning cities academy in Shanghai

Muscat: The Wilayat of Muscat is participating in the 2026 UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities Academy in Shanghai, organised by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning in collaboration with Shanghai Open University.The programme brings together representatives from 32 learning cities across Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas, including Shanghai, Beijing, Turin, Dresden, Athens, Edmonton, Medellín, Nairobi, Ankara and Abuja. Muscat joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities in February 2024, along with Sur and Nizwa. Its participation in the 2026 Academy marks a new phase in its membership, focusing on the exchange of expertise, showcasing local experiences and applying international practices in areas including sustainable urban development, health and quality of life, digital transformation, sustainability and community engagement.Muscat’s participation follows a preparatory programme combining e-learning, practical activities and knowledge exchange with other participating cities. The in-person programme in Shanghai, scheduled from October 11 to 18, will include expert-led sessions, workshops, field visits, artificial intelligence labs and presentations by participating cities.The Muscat team comprises representatives from Muscat Governorate, Muscat Municipality, the Oman National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, the health sector and the local community.Muscat has also been selected to present at a session titled “Transforming Urban Health through Lifelong Learning” on October 14. The session will focus on the city’s experience in urban health and its links to lifelong learning, including initiatives aimed at promoting health awareness, healthy lifestyles, physical activity and quality of life.The presentation will also highlight cooperation between the health, municipal and community sectors in promoting a healthier and more sustainable urban environment.The Urban Health track is a component of the Academy developed in collaboration with the World Health Organization Academy. It focuses on health literacy, evidence-based urban planning, healthy lifestyles and community-based learning.The programme will also include the 2026 International Conference on Digital Lifelong Learning, themed “Smart, Innovative, Inclusive”, and the Lifelong Learning Exhibition.Participants will exchange experiences with more than 100 representatives from learning cities worldwide and work on strategic action plans tailored to the priorities of their respective cities.The programme will continue beyond the Shanghai sessions, with action plans to be finalised and follow-up and support sessions held through 2027 to monitor implementation and facilitate further exchange among participating cities.For Muscat, the initiative provides a platform to share local experiences while drawing on international practices in urban health, sustainability, digital transformation, community engagement and lifelong learning.