Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Region, inaugurated the sixth International Conference on Learning Cities (ICLC 6) on Monday in Jubail Industrial City. The conference, hosted by the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu and organized by the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC), runs until December 5 under the theme, “Learning Cities at the Forefront of Climate Action.”
Context and Background
The ICLC 6 convenes global dignitaries, experts, and decision-makers to explore the pivotal role of education in addressing climate challenges and enhancing quality of life. The event underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable education and international cooperation under its wise leadership, aligning with the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 objectives to foster innovation and environmental stewardship.
Key Details
In his opening remarks, Prince Saud bin Naif emphasized that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a pressing reality. He highlighted education as a powerful tool for building community awareness, enhancing skills, and empowering youth to lead in addressing climate challenges. The governor called for strengthened local, regional, and international partnerships to produce actionable recommendations that shape effective policies to combat the climate crisis.
During the opening ceremony, the UNESCO GNLC Award 2024 winners were announced, recognizing ten cities worldwide. Yanbu Industrial City became the second Saudi city to receive this accolade, following Jubail Industrial City’s earlier recognition. This achievement highlights the Kingdom’s leadership in creating learning cities that drive sustainable transformation.
International Impact
UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning Director Isabell Kempf expressed appreciation to Saudi Arabia and the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu for hosting the important event. She noted that the conference’s workshops and sessions would underscore the potential of learning cities and lifelong education in supporting climate action. Kempf highlighted that UNESCO’s GNLC involves approximately 400 million citizens actively engaging in daily educational activities, shaping a shared future. She praised learning cities’ unique position in driving behavioral change and inspiring climate action.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The ICLC 6 aligns seamlessly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes environmental sustainability, human capital development, and global partnerships. By hosting this conference and earning international recognition for its industrial cities, the Kingdom reinforces its role as a regional leader in climate resilience and lifelong learning. This event supports the vision of a vibrant society empowered by education and innovation, contributing to a sustainable future for all.
20 Questions
Q1. Who inaugurated the sixth International Conference on Learning Cities?
A1. Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Region, inaugurated the conference under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Q2. Where was the ICLC 6 held?
A2. The conference was hosted by Jubail Industrial City, a model for sustainable urban development in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region.
Q3. When did the ICLC 6 take place?
A3. The conference opened on December 3, 2024, and continues through December 5, 2024.
Q4. Who organized the ICLC 6?
A4. The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) organized the conference, in partnership with the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu.
Q5. What is the theme of ICLC 6?
A5. The theme is “Learning Cities at the Forefront of Climate Action,” focusing on education’s role in climate resilience.
Q6. What did Prince Saud bin Naif emphasize in his opening remarks?
A6. He stressed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable education, climate action, and empowering youth through enhanced skills and awareness.
Q7. How did the conference address climate change?
A7. The conference highlighted education as a tool for climate resilience, bringing together global experts to develop actionable policies.
Q8. Which Saudi city won a UNESCO GNLC Award in 2024?
A8. Yanbu Industrial City received the UNESCO GNLC Award 2024, following Jubail Industrial City’s earlier recognition.
Q9. How many cities were recognized at the award ceremony?
A9. Ten cities worldwide were awarded the UNESCO GNLC Award 2024 during the opening ceremony.
Q10. Who is the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning Director?
A10. Isabell Kempf is the Director of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning.
Q11. What did Isabell Kempf express about Saudi Arabia’s role?
A11. She expressed appreciation to Saudi Arabia and the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu for hosting the conference.
Q12. How many citizens are involved in UNESCO’s GNLC?
A12. Approximately 400 million citizens are actively engaged in educational activities through the GNLC globally.
Q13. What is the goal of the ICLC 6?
A13. The conference aims to spotlight education as an effective instrument for climate resilience and a higher quality of life.
Q14. How does this event support Vision 2030?
A14. It aligns with Vision 2030’s priorities for environmental sustainability, human capital development, and international partnerships.
Q15. What role do learning cities play in climate action?
A15. Learning cities drive behavioral change, inspire citizens, and spearhead community-based climate action efforts.
Q16. Who hosted the ICLC 6 in Saudi Arabia?
A16. The Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu hosted the conference in Jubail Industrial City.
Q17. What did Prince Saud call for regarding partnerships?
A17. He called for strengthened local, regional, and international partnerships to combat the climate crisis effectively.
Q18. How does education contribute to climate action, per the conference?
A18. Education builds community awareness, enhances skills, and empowers youth to lead in addressing climate challenges.
Q19. What is the significance of the award to Yanbu Industrial City?
A19. It recognizes Yanbu as a leading learning city, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable urban development.
Q20. What is the long-term vision for Saudi Arabia’s learning cities?
A20. The Kingdom aims to expand learning cities to foster lifelong education, innovation, and climate resilience under Vision 2030.
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