Implementing Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthroughs in education and training development, the Hai Phong City People's Committee has officially issued a Decision and Plan to build the city into a member of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC). This major policy demonstrates the city's strategic vision in placing people at the center of sustainable development.
Joining the global learning network is not merely an international title; it brings practical and profound benefits to the city and its citizens:
- Improving quality of life: Promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all citizens helps improve the general educational level, creating more job opportunities, increasing income, and substantially improving living standards.
- Promoting the spirit of creativity: This activity inspires learning energy within the community, exploiting creative values from local and international partners to serve the prosperous and comprehensive development of Hai Phong.
- Building the image of a "new person": Creating conditions for every Hai Phong citizen to become a digital citizen and a global citizen, capable of adapting to the Fourth Industrial Era.
- Expanding the knowledge space: Creating a favorable environment for the city to exchange ideas, knowledge, and valuable experiences with other advanced cities worldwide.
According to the implementation roadmap, Hai Phong has set specific targets aligned with UNESCO's criteria:
- Literacy: Ensuring that the literacy rate (Level 2) for people aged 15-60 reaches over 95%.
- Universal Education: Meeting Level 3 standards for universal preschool education for 5-year-olds, as well as for primary and secondary education.
- Adult Learning: Striving for 50% of people aged 25-60 to participate in training and fostering activities.
- Digital Transformation in Education: 100% of managers and teachers are to be trained in information technology, and all schools are to be equipped with internet-connected computers.
- Green Living Environment: 70% of streets are to meet green-clean-beautiful requirements, with enhanced waste and wastewater treatment reaching standard levels.
To ensure Hai Phong soon marks its name on the map of UNESCO learning cities, the Department of Foreign Affairs acts as an important "bridge" with key tasks:
- Leading international connection and coordination: Serving as the focal point for communication, participation in building, and finalizing the membership registration dossier with UNESCO.
- Mobilizing expert resources: Promoting the mobilization of international experts and organizations to enhance capacity and the ability to meet the global network's strict criteria.
- Leveraging overseas Vietnamese resources: Encouraging overseas Vietnamese intellectuals and experts to actively contribute their experience and wisdom to study encouragement activities and building a learning society in the city.
According to the plan, the city will establish a City Steering Committee in February 2026 and aims to complete the registration for the UNESCO network by 2027 at the latest.
The success of this policy requires the drastic involvement of the entire political system and the consensus of all citizens. Every individual, family, and business should be an active link in the lifelong learning movement, contributing to building Hai Phong into a globally connected, civilized, and modern city.
Lifelong learning – The key to success and sustainable development!