Warangal and Thrissur join the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities | Latest India News

Telangana’s second largest city, Warangal, and the cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur, have joined the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Global Network of Learning Cities, according to a statement from India to UNESCO.

Taking to Twitter, Union Culture and Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy called Warangal’s achievement “good news” and also congratulated the city and the southern state on its “second recognition over the past year” by the UN agency.

“Good News! Warangal in Telangana State joins the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities! Congratulations Warangal and Telangana on this momentous occasion. UNESCO at Ramappa Grand Temple in Warangal, Telangana earns its second recognition in the past year by UNESCO,” reads Reddy’s post on the microblogging site.

The Union Minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his “severe efforts” to gain recognition and showcase India’s “rich cultural heritage“.

Speaking about this achievement, the Mayor of Warangal, Sudha Rani Gundu said that “learning is an investment”. “I believe that our Warangal’s vision for inclusive and sustainable development is in line with UNESCO’s GNLC concept,” she added.

What is the Global Network of Learning Cities?

According to UNESCO’s website, the network is a global policy-focused network offering “inspiration, know-how and best practices”. He further stated that learning cities at all stages of development can greatly benefit from “sharing ideas with other cities” because solutions to problems that arise as a city develops can already exist in other cities.

“The Network supports the achievement of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG 4 (“Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” ) and SDG 11 (‘Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable’). says UNESCO.

What characteristics define a learning city?

Six characteristics define a learning city. These include a system that effectively mobilizes its resources across every sector to champion inclusive learning, revitalizes learning in families and communities, facilitates learning for and in the workplace, expands the use of modern learning technologies, increases the quality and excellence of learning and fosters a culture of lifelong learning.

What features of Warangal and Thrissur helped the towns win the UNESCO label?

Several features have been considered by the UN agency to include Warangal in the Global Network of Learning Cities. UNESCO highlighted Telangana City’s good practices in promoting healthy environments for children and caregivers, free training for the transgender community and self-help groups.

At the same time, the UN agency highlighted the initiatives focusing on vulnerable groups undertaken by Thirssur as one of its good practices. The other was the Thrissur Pooram festival – an annual event celebrating the region’s artistic, musical, folk and cultural traditions.