News
UNESCO Director-General in China to Promote the Power of Creative and Learning Cities
On 20-23 October, the UNESCO Director-General, Irina Bokova, will visit the People’s Republic of China, to participate in opening the first UNESCO Creative Cities Summit, the first International Forum on Learning Cities, and the Beijing Forum on the Arts and the City.
On this occasion, the Director-General is expected to meet with Excellency Mr Li Keqiang, Premier of the Government of the People’s Republic of China, as well as Excellency Ms Liu Yandong, Vice Premier. She will also meet with Mr Guo Jinlong, Beijing Municipal Party Secretary as well as with Mr Wang Anshun, Mayor of Beijing.
The visit of the Director-General reflects the rising importance of cities as actors for lifelong learning and social inclusion, for fostering the creativity and innovation necessary for sustainable development. More than half of the world’s population lives today in cities, and this is set to increase. Cities are great motors of dynamism, growth, innovation and ‘living together.’ They are also sources of deep injustice, poverty and social tensions. The, the, and the Beijing Forum on the Arts and the City are bringing together representatives from cities, governments, experts and civil society from across the world, to explore how to harness better the potential of cities for lasting peace and sustainable development.
Irina Bokova will have the opportunity also to visit the Shi Jia Hu Tong Primary School, part of the UNESCO clubs and associations in China.
