The Governor of the Eastern Region, Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, will inaugurate the sixth International Conference on Learning Cities (ICLC 6) on Monday under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The conference, organized by the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, will take place in Jubail Industrial City from December 2 to 5, 2024.
Context and Background
The ICLC 6, hosted by the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s commitment to education and sustainable development. A press conference was held ahead of the event, attended by the Director of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, Isabell Kempf, who highlighted the importance of the gathering for global knowledge exchange. Prof. Fadye Al Fayad, general supervisor of the conference committees, emphasized that choosing Jubail to host the ICLC 6 enhances the city’s leading role in education and sustainable development.
Key Details
Prof. Fadye Al Fayad affirmed that Jubail has become a global model for promoting lifelong learning and linking education to environmental sustainability initiatives. He stated, “This milestone reflects the Royal Commission’s vision of developing innovative educational cities that support environmental development and enhance the quality of life.” The inclusion of Jubail and Yanbu Industrial Cities in UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities further distinguishes the event, showcasing their excellence in implementing initiatives that promote lifelong learning. Al Fayad underscored the Royal Commission’s dedication to achieving sustainable development and enhancing education as a tool for sustainable positive change.
Implications and Impact
The conference presents a unique opportunity to shed light on the efforts made by the royal commissions in building cities that serve as a global role model in education and sustainable development, according to Al Fayad. During the press conference, Isabell Kempf expressed gratitude to the Royal Commission and Saudi Arabia for hosting the conference in Jubail, stating it allows the exchange of expertise with other cities. She added that the conference will focus on cities’ role in addressing climate change challenges and achieving tangible achievements within the framework of the Paris climate agreement.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The ICLC 6 aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives of constructing a sustainable environment that combines innovation and prosperity for the population. By highlighting lifelong learning and environmental sustainability, Saudi Arabia continues to demonstrate its global leadership in education, diplomacy, and sustainable development, reinforcing its role as a hub for international cooperation and long-term progress.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the sixth International Conference on Learning Cities (ICLC 6)?
A1. The ICLC 6 is a global conference organized by the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, focusing on lifelong learning and sustainable development, hosted in Jubail Industrial City from December 2 to 5, 2024.
Q2. Who is inaugurating the ICLC 6?
A2. The Governor of the Eastern Region, Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, will inaugurate the conference under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Q3. What is the role of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu in the conference?
A3. The Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu organized the conference and hosted the press conference, highlighting the objectives and axes of the ICLC 6 underlining Jubail’s preparedness.
Q4. Who is Prof. Fadye Al Fayad?
A4. Prof. Fadye Al Fayad is the general supervisor of the conference committees, who stated that choosing Jubail enhances its leading role in education and sustainable development.
Q5. What did Isabell Kempf express during the press conference?
A5. Isabell Kempf, Director of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for hosting the conference and noted its focus on climate change challenges within the Paris agreement.
Q6. Why was Jubail chosen to host the ICLC 6?
A6. Jubail was chosen for its global model in promoting lifelong learning and linking education to environmental sustainability, reflecting its innovative educational city approach.
Q7. What is the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities?
A7. It is a UNESCO network that supports cities worldwide in implementing lifelong learning initiatives, and both Jubail and Yanbu are members, adding distinction to the ICLC 6.
Q8. How does the conference relate to sustainable development?
A8. The conference focuses on cities’ roles in addressing climate change and achieving sustainable development goals, aligned with environmental sustainability initiatives.
Q9. What is the duration of the ICLC 6?
A9. The ICLC 6 takes place from December 2 to 5, 2024, spanning four days of discussions and knowledge exchange in Jubail Industrial City.
Q10. What are the main objectives of the ICLC 6?
A10. The main objectives include promoting lifelong learning, exchanging expertise between cities, and addressing climate change challenges through sustainable urban practices.
Q11. How does Saudi Vision 2030 link to the conference?
A11. Saudi Vision 2030 aims to build a sustainable environment with innovation and prosperity, and the conference supports these goals through education and sustainable development initiatives.
Q12. What is the role of Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz?
A12. Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz is the Governor of the Eastern Region, tasked with inaugurating the ICLC 6 on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
Q13. What did Prof. Fadye Al Fayad say about the Royal Commission’s vision?
A13. He stated that the milestone reflects the Royal Commission’s vision of developing innovative educational cities that support environmental development and enhance quality of life.
Q14. What is the focus of the ICLC 6 regarding climate change?
A14. The conference will focus on cities’ roles in addressing climate change and achieving tangible achievements within the framework of the Paris climate agreement.
Q15. How does the conference benefit international cooperation?
A15. The conference allows for global exchange of expertise between cities, promoting lifelong learning and sustainable practices across borders.
Q16. What is the significance of the press conference?
A16. The press conference, attended by Isabell Kempf, showcased the objectives and axes, underlining Jubail’s readiness and the event’s global importance.
Q17. How many cities are involved in the conference?
A17. The conference involves cities from the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, with specific numbers not detailed, but it fosters broad international participation.
Q18. What are the key themes of the ICLC 6?
A18. Key themes include lifelong learning, environmental sustainability, urban innovation, and linking education to the Paris climate agreement goals.
Q19. How does the event highlight Saudi Arabia’s role globally?
A19. By hosting a UNESCO event in Jubail, Saudi Arabia demonstrates leadership in education and sustainable development, aligning with Vision 2030 and international cooperation.
Q20. What is the expected outcome of the ICLC 6?
A20. The outcome is expected to be enhanced strategies for lifelong learning and sustainable urban development, with commitments to climate action and global educational growth.
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