Wyndham council has been announced as the recipient of a UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities Award.
The biennial UNESCO Learning City Awards recognise UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) members that have demonstrated significant progress in enhancing education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Wyndham is one of three councils in Australia that are members of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.
The membership was awarded to Wyndham because UNESCO acknowledged the council’s commitment to building a learning city and helping residents improve their learning outcomes through lifelong learning.
Wyndham mayor Adele Hegedich said: “Wyndham is honoured to receive the UNESCO Learning City Award.
“It is testament to our active collaboration with the community that we have been recognised with this award.”
“Council has dedicated time and effort to build our reputation as a Global Learning City and this award gives recognition and validation to our work.”
Wyndham’s Learning City portfolio holder, Cr Jasmine Hill, said: “As council’s learning city portfolio holder, I am honoured that Wyndham has been conferred this prestigious UNESCO Learning City award in 2021.”
“Our learning community has demonstrated the commitment, perseverance and resilience in learning especially in the last two years over the pandemic period.
“We have witnessed that our learning community can adapt to change, learn new skills and take advantage of opportunities.
“Wyndham’s Learning Community Strategy has lifelong learning goals and priorities at its heart and encourages the community to pursue formal and informal learning opportunities, regardless of age and background.”
UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning director, David Atchoarena, said: “I warmly congratulate the UNESCO learning city of Wyndham for the outstanding progress made in providing lifelong learning opportunities to its citizens.
“In a rapidly changing world, it is essential to give all citizens a chance to continuously develop themselves and contribute to solving local and global challenges.
“Lifelong learning is key to this endeavour.”
Wyndham joins its neighbouring municipality, Melton, as the only other Australian recipient of the award.
For more information see: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/wyndham-learning-city
