MUSCAT: The programme brings together learning cities from around the world to exchange experiences and advance lifelong learning and sustainable urban development.

Organised by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning in cooperation with Shanghai Open University, the academy brings together representatives of 32 cities from Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas. Participating cities include Shanghai, Beijing, Turin, Dresden, Athens, Edmonton, Medellín, Nairobi, Ankara and Abuja.

Muscat’s participation builds on its membership of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, which it joined in February 2024 alongside the Omani cities of Sur and Nizwa. The participation in the 2026 Academy represents a further stage in Muscat’s engagement with the network, providing an opportunity to share local experiences, learn from international practices and develop initiatives related to lifelong learning and sustainable urban development.

The academy covers a range of areas relevant to Muscat’s development priorities, including urban health and quality of life, digital transformation, sustainability, community participation and lifelong learning.

The programme began with an online preparatory and training phase before progressing to the in-person programme in Shanghai from October 11 to 18. Participants are taking part in interactive sessions, workshops, field visits, practical activities and discussions designed to connect international learning-city practices with the challenges and priorities of their respective cities.

The programme also requires participating city teams to develop strategic action plans that can be implemented in their local contexts. Follow-up activities and support sessions are scheduled to continue during 2027 to monitor progress, share results and exchange experiences among participating cities.

Muscat is represented by a multisectoral team of four members from the Governorate of Muscat, Muscat Municipality, the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and the health sector. The team also represents the local community in the Muscat wilayat, reflecting the learning-city approach of bringing together government institutions, education, health and community stakeholders.

The participation is supported by the broader Muscat Learning City team, which includes representatives and specialists from governmental, academic and community sectors, including health, environment, education, culture, tourism, social development, museums, scientific research and civil society.

An executive team supports the initiative by coordinating roles and responsibilities, documenting activities, monitoring tasks and contributing to the governance of Muscat as a learning city. Its work also includes coordinating initiatives and managing data and information to help translate the outcomes of international participation into locally applicable programmes and plans.

A key feature of Muscat’s participation in Shanghai is its selection to present a session titled “Transforming Urban Health through Lifelong Learning” on October 14.

During the session, the Muscat team will present local experiences and initiatives linking urban health with lifelong learning. The presentation will highlight efforts to promote health awareness, encourage healthy lifestyles and make effective use of urban facilities and public spaces that support physical activity and quality of life.

The session will also examine cooperation among the health, municipal and community sectors in creating a healthier and more sustainable urban environment.