News
Mongolia Strengthens Commitment to Lifelong Learning
The National Capacity-Building Workshop for the Lifelong Learning Sector, held on April 3-4, 2025, successfully brought together over 80 policymakers, educators, and experts to advance Mongolia鈥檚 lifelong learning initiatives and integration into the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC).
Organized by the Ministry of Education (MoE), the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO (MNCU), and the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for East Asia, the workshop facilitated in-depth discussions on lifelong learning policies, the concept of learning cities, the UNESCO GNLC registration process, and ESD and TVET components in lifelong learning.
Key Discussions
Mongolia鈥檚 lifelong learning policy landscape and the role of Learning Cities
Step-by-step guidance on becoming a UNESCO Learning City
International best practices and emerging trends in lifelong learning
Financing lifelong learning and mobilizing resources
Bayangol District鈥檚 Learning City initiative and local action planning
Key Takeaways
Improved Understanding of Learning Cities: Many participants came into the workshop with only a general idea of what UNESCO GNLC is and how it works. By the end, most reported a much clearer grasp of the framework, its purpose, and how to go about joining the network. The feedback showed a strong shift in knowledge and confidence.
Engaging Format and Relevant Content: The combination of expert presentations, international examples, and group activities was well received. Participants especially appreciated hearing from successful Learning Cities and having space to apply those ideas to Mongolia鈥檚 context through hands-on discussions.
Motivation: The workshop created a strong sense of agency and leadership. Many attendees expressed a sense of purpose and shared plans to begin developing Learning City strategies in their province and districts. The group work sessions helped turn broad concepts into more concrete action steps.
Call for Continued Support and Training: While the workshop addressed many key issues, the participants requested further training. Topics like digital education, Artificial Intelligence (AI) in lifelong learning, mental health, and financing were frequently mentioned as areas needing deeper exploration. Participants also noted the value of ongoing partnerships with experts and international organizations.
Commitment to Inclusivity and Sustainability: The organizers made a conscious effort to ensure equal gender participation and minimize environmental impact. With women making up 65% of attendees and a plastic-free event setup, the workshop reflected UNESCO鈥檚 broader values in practice.
It is my pleasure to inform that yesterday on April 2nd the Government of Mongolia announces 2026 to be the year of 鈥楨ducation鈥. As part of its 2024-2028 action plan, the Government of Mongolia is undertaking efforts to join the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. Accession to this network will enable Mongolia to enhance local sustainable development, promote cooperation, foster individual skills, and improve the quality of life, and support innovative initiatives aligned with regional development policies; thereby ensuring more effective and impactful outcomes.
Lifelong learning must become a fully integrated part of Mongolia鈥檚 national education policies, ensuring that all citizens鈥攊ncluding those in rural areas, nomadic communities, and marginalized groups鈥攈ave access to continuous learning opportunities. One of the key areas of focus today will be how Mongolia can effectively engage with the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities
He also added that a truly inclusive education system must offer opportunities for individuals of all ages to acquire new skills, adapt to changing economic and social demands, and fully engage in society.
Mongolia finds itself at a pivotal juncture of transformation. With the adoption of the 2023 Education Law and the establishment of the Lifelong Learning Department within the Ministry of Education, your nation has sent a resounding message: lifelong learning is not just a policy priority, it is a cornerstone of sustainable development, social equity, and inclusive growth. Today鈥檚 workshop is a critical step toward realizing this vision.
A key outcome of the workshop was the development of localized action plans by participants, outlining strategies for strengthening lifelong learning in cities and rural communities. International experts also provided recommendations on resource mobilization and policy implementation to ensure sustainable progress.
The workshop concluded on the 2nd day with a feedback session, a survey, and final remarks by Mr. Boldsaikhan Sambuu, the Secretary-General of the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO. He underscored the critical role of political commitment, leadership, and inclusive, sector-wide collaboration among all stakeholders in driving education transformation. He emphasized that meaningful change requires robust policy frameworks, sustainable financing, and innovative funding mechanisms. In this context, he called for the exploration of public-private partnerships, community-led initiatives to ensure education remains continuous and accessible for all. He urged participants to integrate the insights and recommendations from the gathering into national policies, local development plans, and sectoral strategies.
