12th Asia-Pacific Network Meeting Concludes in South Korea
A total of 101 representatives from 13 cities, along with members from local universities and civil society organizations, gathered in Dalseo-gu, Daegu, on September 26 and 27.
Under the theme “New Roles and Lifelong Learning Strategies for Educating Cities in the SDG Era”, the meeting highlighted innovative approaches to urban education, sharing best practices and experiences that help cities grow as inclusive, knowledge-based communities.
The program featured several key activities:
- Opening Ceremony, with speeches from the Mayor of Changwon, the Mayor of Dalseo District, the Secretary General of AICE, and the President of the Korean Association of Lifelong Learning Cities. During the event, Lee Tae-hoon, Mayor of Dalseo, proclaimed the “Vision for the Future.”
- Inaugural Lecture: “Small Actions for a Sustainable Life”, delivered by Julian Quintart (EU Goodwill Ambassador for Climate Action / communicator).
- Keynote Address: “New Roles and Lifelong Learning Strategies for Educating Cities in the SDG Era”, by Professor Jung Woo-Tak (Kyung Hee University / former Director of the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding).
- Roundtable Discussion: “The Role of Educating Cities in Achieving Sustainable Cities”, moderated by Professor Lee Hee-soo (Chung-Ang University).
- Experience Presentations:
- Loulé (Portugal): ASAS Project (Village of Knowledge and Affection).
- Curitiba (Brazil): Municipal School of Sustainability.
- Dalseo District (Korea): Forum for the 20th Anniversary as a Lifelong Learning City.
- Adoption of the Joint Declaration and promotion of the 2026 International Congress.
Guests also visited the Lifelong Learning Center, the prehistoric site of Dalseo, and attended the Lifelong Learning Festival held at Wolgwang Riverside Park.
