North West marks major milestone with relaunch of UNESCO Learning City Region

The North West Region is celebrating a major milestone in its commitment to education, community development, and lifelong learning, as the region formally expands its Derry City and Strabane Region UNESCO Learning City membership to include Donegal.

The newly named North West Learning City Region marks a strengthened cross border partnership dedicated to ensuring learning is accessible to everyone, at every stage of life.

Derry City and Strabane District Council first became a member of UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) in July 2019 under the title ‘Derry City and Strabane Region’.

From the outset, the ambition was to widen this status to reflect the strong educational, cultural, and community links with neighbouring Donegal. That vision becomes a reality through collaboration between the North West Tertiary Education Cluster, that includes institutional partners; Ulster University, Atlantic Technological University, North West Regional College and Donegal Education and Training Board as well as Derry City and Strabane District Council, and Donegal County Council.

The newly expanded North West Learning City Region underscores a shared commitment to promoting lifelong learning for all, supporting personal development, social inclusion, economic opportunity, and community wellbeing throughout the North West.

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To mark this important milestone, the region is hosting an inspiring Lifelong Learning Festival across Derry, Strabane and Donegal on 4–5 March 2026.

With over 40 free events, the festival showcases the creativity, diversity, and vibrancy of learning in the North West. The programme spans:

• Arts and culture
• Digital skills & innovation
• Business and enterprise development
• Health and wellbeing
• Heritage and language
• Sustainability and community engagement
• Family learning and early years experiences

Events will take place in libraries, community centres, cultural venues, college and university campuses, and public spaces across the region, demonstrating that learning can happen anywhere and at any age.

Speaking about the upcoming relaunch, Professor Malachy Ó Néill, Director of Regional Engagement for Ulster University, said: “This milestone marks a significant step forward for cross border collaboration and reflects the core aim of the North West Tertiary Education Cluster - to enhance learning pathways and create inclusive opportunities for individuals and communities across the North West.”

The North West Learning City Region Lifelong Learning Festival invites people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved, explore something new, and celebrate the joy and value of lifelong learning.

To view the festival programme and get involved in the 40-plus free festival events CLICK HERE.