The Muscat Governorate, represented by the Muscat Learning City Team, is participating in the Unesco Global Network of Learning Cities Academy 2026 in Shanghai, organised by the Unesco Institute for Lifelong Learning in cooperation with Shanghai Open University.
The academy brings together representatives of 32 learning cities from Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas, including Shanghai, Beijing, Turin, Dresden, Athens, Edmonton, Medellin, Nairobi, Ankara and Abuja.
Muscat joined the Unesco Global Network of Learning Cities in February 2024, along with Sur and Nizwa. Its selection for the 2026 academy marks a further step in its participation in the network and provides an opportunity to exchange experiences and present local practices in lifelong learning, sustainable urban development, health and quality of life, digital transformation, sustainability and community engagement.
The academy combines online learning, practical activities and experience-sharing among participating cities, culminating in an in-person programme in Shanghai from October 11 to 18, 2026.
During the Shanghai programme, participants will attend interactive sessions and workshops, undertake field visits, participate in artificial intelligence labs and engage in networking and partnership-building activities. They will also take part in the 2026 International Conference on Digital Lifelong Learning, themed “Smart, Innovative, and Inclusive,” and the Lifelong Learning Exhibition.
A key highlight of Muscat's participation will be its selection to present a session titled “Transforming Urban Health through Lifelong Learning” on October 14.
The Muscat team will present local experiences and initiatives linking urban health with lifelong learning, including efforts to promote health awareness, healthy lifestyles, physical activity and quality of life. The presentation will also highlight cooperation among the health, municipal and community sectors in developing a healthier and more sustainable city.
The academy's Urban Health Hub, developed in collaboration with the World Health Organization Academy, focuses on integrating lifelong learning into health policies and practices, promoting health literacy, using evidence in urban planning and encouraging healthy lifestyles through community learning systems.
Muscat's participation involves a four-member, multi-sectoral team representing the Muscat Governorate, Muscat Municipality, the Oman National Commission for Education, Culture and Science and the health sector, alongside local community representation.
The wider Muscat Learning City team includes representatives and experts from government, academia and community sectors covering health, environment, education, culture, tourism, social development, museums, scientific research and civil society.
More than 100 representatives of learning cities from around the world are expected to participate in the academy. The programme will continue beyond the Shanghai meetings, with participants developing strategic action plans and taking part in follow-up and support sessions during 2027 to monitor implementation and exchange results.
Muscat's participation is intended to facilitate the international exchange of Omani experiences while enabling the city to benefit from international practices and partnerships related to urban health, quality of life, sustainability, digital transformation, community engagement and lifelong learning. - ONA
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