Durham joins UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities

By Milly Moore

Durham has joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) recognising its outstanding commitment to providing the right to education, learning and skills developments across a range of ages and institutions.

Durham was recognised as a new member of GNLC in December 2025 and is now one of the 12 designated Learning Cities in the UK and 425 worldwide. The award marks a continuation of its long history as a significant site of scholarship and learning for over a thousand years.

This connection to the UNESCO network means that Durham will share knowledge, skills and help create opportunities for exchange with other global learning cities.

Durham University shares that following the recognition their aim is to “revitalise learning in families and communities, facilitate workplace learning, and extend the use of digital technologies to enhance education”.  

This signals Durham’s commitment to education, with Durham University stating that work will focus on three areas: sustainability and health, equity and inclusion, and supporting decent (fair) work and entrepreneurship.

This is the third recognition from UNESCO, with the World Heritage Site Status being given to Durham Castle and Cathedral in 1986 and the appointment of Prof. Robin Coningham in Durham University’s Department of Archaeology as UNESCO chair in Cultural Heritage in 2014.  

Examples of initiatives aiding Durham’s success in achieving GNLC membership include: the Digital Durham strategy to improve infrastructure and adult digital skills, The Climate Action Durham plan to embed climate education for all, and Durham’s City of Sanctuary helping refugees and asylum seekers access education.

Chancellor and Warden of Durham University Prof. Karen O’Brien, a key partner in the World Heritage Site Partnership, said “Durham has a long rich history of learning and cultural excellence. This additional UNESCO recognition ensures that this legacy will continue long into the future.”

A proactive approach to furthering this initiative is clear as she continues that “we will work with partners locally and globally so that everyone in our city and region can access education, learning and skills opportunities and the life changing benefits they bring.”

Durham University already exemplifies their commitment to education in a number of schemes connecting the University with the local area and developing industries. For example,  since 2010 more than 71,000 visitors have attended their free, annual Celebrate Science festival, where they encourage fun and practical learning for young minds.

Durham has a long rich history of learning and cultural excellence. This additional UNESCO recognition ensures that this legacy will continue long into the future

They have connected contemporary research with broader engagement using the University’s Light Years Programme which connects developments in space science, technology and industry with audiences and communities, encouraging people of all ages to explore the opportunities within the growing North East space industry.

This is further exemplified by the work of Arlene Holmes-Henderson, Professor of Classics Education and Public Policy, as she aims to improve young people’s spoken language and listening skills at school.

The Mayor of Durham, Mr. Gary Hutchinson, shared praise for Durham city naming it “an exemplary place for education, training and enterprise” as well as for its demonstration of the “value of intergenerational capital and shows how sharing learning resources and facilities and cultural experience enable people to learn new skills, promote health and well-being”.  

Image: mattbuck via Wikimedia Commons