Introduction

UNESCO organised the first International Conference on Learning Cities (ICLC) in Beijing in 2013, which adopted the Beijing Declaration on Building Learning Cities This acted as a catalyst for the emergence of a renewed global commitment to developing learning cities and the creation of UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC). Since then the concept of learning cities has emerged as a dynamic and innovative response to the multifaceted challenges faced by contemporary urban communities. This concept gained significant traction following the inaugural ICLC it was pivotal in establishing a comprehensive framework for understanding and promoting learning cities on a global scale. UNESCO continues to play a pivotal role in defining the essential objectives for cities that aspire to embrace this model, with a particular focus on social inclusion, economic development, and environmental sustainability.