You are warmly invited to the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities webinar, ‘Learning without limits: Empowering urban communities through non-formal learning spaces’, on 19 February 2025. The event is part of tour new global webinar series, ‘Unlocking the power of lifelong learning’, bringing together stakeholders from across the globe every first and third Wednesday of the month.

This webinar will focus on non-formal learning spaces as crucial parts of lifelong learning in cities. These diverse spaces – ranging from libraries, cultural institutions and outdoor areas to sports venues, social clubs and shopping centres – offer unique opportunities for personal development and collective learning. They serve as powerful platforms for democratizing education, particularly for marginalized and underserved populations that may struggle to access conventional learning pathways. 

The webinar will explore the rich landscape of non-formal learning spaces, examining how cities can design inclusive educational ecosystems. Speakers will share innovative examples of accessible learning environments that have been established in their cities and discuss how non-formal and unconventional learning spaces can enhance educational opportunities for individuals across different ages, backgrounds and life circumstances. 

Time: 19 February 2025, 13:00 to 14:00 (CET)

Registration by Zoom

Programme

Welcome
Mr Raúl Valdés Cotera, Chief Programme Coordinator, UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning

Expert input
Ms Catalina Ortiz, Professor of Critical Urban Pedagogy, Development Planning Unit, University College London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Snapshots from UNESCO Learning Cities 
UNESCO Learning City of Okayama, Japan
Ms Hiroko Shibakawa, Assistant Professor at Okayama University

UNESCO Learning City of Escazú, Costa Rica
Ms Ligia Hernández Rojas, First Deputy Mayor

UNESCO Learning City of Dresden, Germany
Ms Ulrike Cadot-Knorr, Lifelong Learning Officer, Division of Education, Youth and Sport, Dresden, Germany

Discussion

Summary and closing 
 
Moderator: Ms Edith Hammer, Programme Specialist, UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning