Marrakech and Ifrane join three other Moroccan cities within this network, namely Chefchaouen, Laâyoune and Benguerir.
A total of 77 cities in 44 countries joined this network on Friday, bringing to 294 the number of learning cities in 76 countries, a statement from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization said.
The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities is made up of cities that successfully promote lifelong learning in their communities,” the same source said, adding that they share inspiration, know-how and best practices.
“With more than half of humanity living in urban areas, cities have the power to drive lifelong learning policies by implementing and supporting local initiatives, as well as bringing about bottom-up change,” UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay was quoted as saying in the release.
The new UNESCO Learning Cities are endowed with “great expertise” and are committed to making the right to education a reality for people of all ages, she added.
According to the press release, the new UNESCO Learning Cities joined the Network following their nomination by the National Commissions for UNESCO of the countries in question and the recommendations of a jury of experts.
UNESCO’s learning cities federate educational, training and cultural institutions, and involve a wide range of partners such as representatives of the public sector, civil society organizations and employers.
They effectively mobilize resources across all sectors to promote inclusive, quality learning from basic to higher education, revitalize learning in families and communities and facilitate learning for and in the workplace, while expanding the use of modern learning technologies.
