Celebrating Manchester’s UNESCO City of Lifelong Learning status

12 Jun 2025

Manchester was one of 64 cities, from 35 countries, to join the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) last year.

On Thursday 5 June, colleagues from our University joined Manchester Metropolitan University and Manchester City Council to mark a major milestone: Manchester’s dual designation as a UNESCO City of Literature and a UNESCO City of Lifelong Learning, making Manchester the only city in the UK to have both prestigious designations. The University’s Flexible Learning Programme contributed to the successful bid and continues to focus on delivering flexibility in terms of place, pace and pathway.  

Professor Ang Davies, Academic Lead for Lifelong Learning said:  

“We are extremely proud to join the UNESCO family of Learning Cities and have already made many connections in the UK and beyond.  Within the University we strive to develop inclusive, equitable and valued education that supports both personal and professional development. By working closely with our partners including Manchester City Council and Manchester Metropolitan University we will support sustainable economic, social and cultural development of our city region through lifelong learning”. 

Held at the Grosvenor Theatre at Manchester Metropolitan University, the event brought together civic leaders, educators, poets, and international guests to reflect on the power of learning and literature to transform lives and communities. The event, held within the Festival of Libraries also showcased collaborative artistic work between artists in Nanjing and Manchester, connected by both having this dual UNESCO status.  

The celebration featured: 

• Opening remarks from Professor Malcolm Press (Vice-Chancellor, Manchester Metropolitan University) and Anna Nsubuga (UK Ambassador to UNESCO), highlighting the global significance of the dual designation. 
• Two videos showcasing lifelong learning stories from both universities, demonstrating the impact of lifelong and professional learning:

1. The benefits for our learners 
2. Our regional partnership 

• Poetry performances from Han Dong, Nicky Harman, and Charlotte Shevchenko Knight, showcasing the cultural exchange with guests from Nanjing. 
• Reflections on Manchester’s role in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and the importance of civic partnerships in delivering inclusive, lifelong learning. 

Professor Duncan Ivison’s closing remarks emphasised the strength of collaboration between the University, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester City Council, and international partners. He also highlighted the University’s leadership in developing Manchester’s Digital Skills Framework, a key initiative supporting the city’s digital economy and lifelong learning ambitions. 

This event demonstrated our shared commitment to making Manchester a Learning Partner for Life—offering flexible, inclusive, and industry-aligned learning opportunities for our students, alumni, and communities. 

Find out more about how we’re shaping Lifelong Learning at the University of Manchester here.