Tender won to lead prestigious UNESCO UK Learning Cities Network

The roof-tops of Derby looking across to the University of Derby. (Credit: UoD)

Derby has been selected to lead the UK’s UNESCO Learning Cities Network, placing the city at the forefront of a global movement to make lifelong learning accessible to all.

There are currently 12 Cities of Lifelong Learning in the UK that form part of the wider UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities which comprises more than 350 cities in over 75 countries.

These networks are united in their determination to promote lifelong learning and, through it, sustainable development in their cities.

Following a competitive tender process, the University of Derby has been appointed to coordinate the UK network on behalf of the city for 2026-2027.

Professor Rhiannon Jones, Head of Civic and Communities at the University of Derby, who will chair the group, said: “Leading the UK Learning Cities Network is a significant honour for Derby. The network creates opportunities to share knowledge, develop skills and collaborate with cities across the globe committed to lifelong learning.

“Learning City membership recognises the University of Derby’s outstanding commitment to making education accessible for all and developing skills for everyone both inside and beyond the classroom.

“As the city and county’s only university, we take our role in supporting Derby’s economic, social, cultural, and environmental prosperity seriously.

“Derby has a rich history of success across these areas, and we look forward to sharing our knowledge and also learning from others in the network.”

UNESCO Learning Cities Networks promote inclusive learning for all ages and backgrounds, improving education systems and encouraging workplace and adult learning. The networks also uses learning to support economic growth and innovation and strengthens community engagement and cultural development.

Launched in 2013, cities involved in the Global networks include Beijing, Hamburg, Glasgow, Shanghai and Swansea, who previously led the UNESCO UK Learning Cities Network.

Judith James, outgoing chair from Swansea University, said: “We in Swansea Learning City are delighted that Derby has been elected to lead the UK Network for UNESCO Learning Cities in 2026.

“The commitment of Derby throughout the inception in 2025 and the first year of the UK Learning Cities Network has been remarkable. We are confident that Derby will ensure that the Network goes from strength to strength, supporting existing UK Learning Cities and also the development of new Learning Cities in the UK.”