From December 2–5, 2024, the 6th International Conference on Learning Cities (ICLC 6) took place in Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia, bringing together 700 participants, including policymakers, mayors, lifelong learning experts, educators, researchers, and representatives from NGOs and the private sector. Organized by UNESCO and hosted under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the conference addressed the timely and critical theme: “Learning Cities at the Frontline of Climate Change.”
In a special session dedicated to Ukrainian cities on December 2, titled “Learning Cities: A Journey from Establishment to Excellence and Global Leadership,” cities from Ukraine showcased their unique experiences, resilience, and the significant challenges they face amid ongoing war. The presentation highlighted the determination of cities like Sumy, Lviv, Poltava, Nikopol, Ternopil, and Melitopol in overcoming adversity and advancing community development despite the ongoing conflict.
During this session, Dr. Hanna Shvindina presented an updated strategy in a sphere of Lifelong Learning and Sustainability for the city. Representing the NGO Lifelong Learning Centre, Dr. Hanna Shvindina, who is the team lead for the project “EU Education Agenda for Intercultural City Development” (Jean Monnet Module №101047729 ERASMUS-JMO-2021-HEI-TCH-RSCH) and a leading researcher in the Department of Management at Oleg Balatskyi, shared her vision in a sphere of Ukraine’s progress on lifelong learning, inclusiveness and new challenges in intercultural development. Dr. Shvindina, alongside Sumy City delegates Rymma Bykova, Deputy Mayor of the Sumy City Council, and Oksana Kubrak, Head of the Department of Strategic Development of the City, presented the city’s resilience and innovative strategies in lifelong learning and sustainable development.
A major theme of their presentation was the importance of good practices in lifelong learning, focusing on intercultural communication and inclusiveness. The Ukrainian delegates emphasized the role of education in fostering understanding and integration among diverse communities, a critical aspect in times of war and displacement. Their presentation, titled “Lifelong Learning Strategy for Sumy City Development,” outlined several key points of the community's transition plan, including:
- Systematic implementation of educational courses for residents (including civic engagement, intercultural development, and inclusion);
- Upgrades to medical and veteran care services, reinforcement of social reintegration of veterans;
- RES Development, and installation of solar panels and energy efficiency measures, as well as modernization of outdated infrastructure to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions,
- And many others.
Additionally, the Sumy team showcased a powerful video illustrating the city’s journey from pre-war life to the resilience and transformation needed during wartime. The presentation concluded with an invitation for international partners to collaborate on educational and climate-focused initiatives.
The Ukrainian session left a strong impression on the global audience, including representatives from France, Germany, Ireland, and Bulgaria, who expressed solidarity and support for Ukrainian cities. UNESCO officials, such as Isabell Kempf, Director of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, and Raúl Valdés Cotera, Chief Program Coordinator, highlighted their commitment to ensuring broader participation for Ukrainian cities in future events and discussions.
Ukraine’s participation in ICLC 6 underscored the critical role of international collaboration and intercultural development in overcoming challenges. By sharing their innovative approaches to education, sustainability, and community resilience, Ukraine’s representatives reminded attendees that education remains the cornerstone of rebuilding and empowering communities, even in times of crisis.
Special thanks to funding by European Union, UNESCO, DVV International, and to the unwavering Ukrainian communities for their dedication and perseverance.
