Learning Cities Provide Innovative Models for Development in Turkey

A seminar hosted by Ege University, Izmir held at the Ataturk Cultural Centre, presented an opportunity for Dr Rob Mark, Honorary Researcher, Higher Education Research Centre (HERC) to give an invited address to professionals - including university staff and residents - about the strengths of working together to build sustainable learning cities for a better future. Izmir is a city of almost 5 million people and Ege University has a population of more than 50,000 students. The lecture also included examples of how Learning Cities are striving to meet everyday challenges including dealing with the effects of poverty, ageing and the effects of climate change.

Participants expressed the desire to advance the development of new models and approaches to promote lifelong learning which are inclusive, and which encourage cooperation across public and private services in the city.

In Ireland, two cities, Cork and Limerick have been awarded the title of UNESCO Learning City.