Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu joins UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities

Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu joins UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities

JEDDAH: Yanbu Industrial City has been recognized by the UN’s top cultural body for its commitment to lifelong learning for its residents. The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recently announced Yanbu Industrial City’s admittance into its Global Network of Learning Cities. Learning cities, according to UNESCO, “foster a culture of learning throughout life, enhance quality and excellence in learning, and effectively mobilize resources in every sector to promote inclusive learning, from basic to higher education.” Yanbu Industrial City, one of the Kingdom’s largest industrial cities, is home to the largest port on the Red Sea and the fourth-largest crude oil refinery in the world. Yanbu has become the Kingdom’s second city to be approved by UNESCO for its outstanding educational efforts. In September 2020, Jubail Industrial City was recognized by the UN body for its commitment to lifelong learning for its residents, and for introducing policies that promote inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable development. The CEO of the Royal Commission in Yanbu, Fahad bin Dhaifallah Al-Qurashi, commented on the latest recognition: “We believe that adopting and applying the concept of a learning city will enhance the city’s position and assist in the sustainable development as well as the