Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt Joins UNESCO learning cities network with three new entries
Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, announced that three Egyptian cities — Cairo, Mansoura (Dakahlia Governorate), and Shebin El-Kom (Menoufia Governorate) — have officially joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) for 2025.
With this addition, Egypt now has 10 cities in the prestigious network, namely: Giza, Aswan, Damietta, Fayoum, Sharkia, Zifta, Alexandria, Cairo, Mansoura, and Shebin El-Kom.
The minister described the achievement as a reflection of Egypt’s ongoing progress in promoting lifelong learning and sustainable human development.
Dr. Awad stated that the inclusion of the three cities is the culmination of coordinated efforts between the Ministry of Local Development, the governorates, and the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO. Nomination dossiers were meticulously prepared in full compliance with UNESCO’s criteria, which emphasize inclusive learning policies and the provision of training and development opportunities for all societal groups.
She highlighted that Cairo, Mansoura, and Shebin El-Kom bring significant qualitative value to the global network, thanks to their rich cultural and educational heritage, as well as ambitious programs aimed at empowering youth and women and achieving societal inclusion through education.
The minister stressed that this success aligns with the vision of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to establish lifelong learning as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development, in line with Egypt Vision 2030.