The Tortoise Tower in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake) in central Hanoi, Vietnam.

The title is the international community's recognition of Hanoi's efforts in building a comprehensive learning society, where all citizens have the opportunity to learn throughout their lives, contributing to sustainable, creative and inclusive socio-economic development.

Vietnam now has six cities recognized as Global Learning Cities. Before Hanoi, the cities of Sa Dec and Cao Lanh (Dong Thap province), Vinh (Nghe An province), Son La (Son La province), and Ho Chi Minh City were recognized as members of this network.

Ngo Le Van, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO said that this is a concrete step in implementing the Party and State's policies on encouraging lifelong learning and building the country into a learning society.

According to Ambassador Nguyen Thi Van Anh, Vietnam's Permanent Representative to UNESCO, this shared joy for Hanoi and Vietnam marks another important success in the extremely good cooperative relationship between Vietnam and UNESCO.

Ambassador Nguyen Thi Van Anh, Vietnam's Permanent Representative to UNESCO speaking at the UNESCO event. Photo: Anh Tuan/VOV-Paris

The Global Network of Learning Cities was established by UNESCO in 2013 as an international exchange platform that facilitates member cities to share expertise and practical lessons in maintaining a “Learning City”. With the addition of new learning cities this year, the Network now has 425 members in 91 countries worldwide.

Joining the Global Learning Cities Network, Hanoi will have more opportunities to exchange ideas, knowledge and experiences with other members around the world and with the world's leading experts in education. Hanoi will also have more chances to attract investment and international cooperation in education with other learning cities, becoming a model for building a learning society and a bright spot in the region in educational, cultural and creative cooperation.