A record number of children and youth are not attending school or university because of temporary or indefinite closures mandated by governments in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19. Considering the deterioration of the situation, globally, it can be expected that coping with the crisis will increasingly constitute a major challenge for cities, including in education.

Two webinars have been organized by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning to support members of the GNLC at this difficult time. By participating, cities can share and learn about measures taken at different stages of the emergence of COVID-19. The agenda for the first webinar on Thursday can be found in the attached (English only).

Please find below the details and Skype links to join the webinars.

• 13:00 – 14:00 (Central European Standard Time) on Thursday 19 March 2020 - already held  Download programme

• 13:00 – 14:00 (Central European Standard Time) on Tuesday 24 March 2020 - Join SKYPE Meeting

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Presentations from the first Webinar on 19 March 2020

UNESCO learning cities of Wuhan and Beijing
Mr Ronghuai Huang, Co-Dean, Smart Learning Institute of Beijing Normal University, China

UNESCO learning city of Shanghai, China
Mr Jiacheng Li, Director, Shanghai Municipal Institute of Lifelong Education, East China Normal University

UNESCO learning city of Fermo, Italy
Professor Carlo Nofri, Coordinator of the Scientific Board City of Fermo

UNESCO learning city of Kashan, Iran
Ms Ferestheh Nouri, Municipality of Kashan, Department of International Affair

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The webinars have two main purposes, to:

1. introduce learning solutions, tools, partnerships, and other best practices to accommodate closures of schools and universities due to COVID-19; and
2. facilitate exchange between GNLC member cities and beyond on context-specific responses to the pandemic.

Please take note that the webinar will be held in English.

We look forward to an interactive discussion between cities worldwide and the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL). The webinar will also be open to non-members of the GNLC. All outcomes will be documented online for free dissemination.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best regards