Cork has been successful in its bid to host the third UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities Conference in Sept. 2017. The two previous conferences were held in Beijing 2013 and Mexico 2015, each involved over 600 delegates from countries worldwide. The conference will be presented by UNESCO Institute of Lifelong Learning, held in Cork City Hall, from Sept 18th -20th 2017, supported by Cork City Council and Cork ETB hosted with its Learning City Project partners, UCC, CIT, and other agencies in the city.
This is a first for Ireland and for Europe:
Cork is the only Irish city currently recognized by UNESCO for its excellence in the field of Learning, and was one of just 12 cities globally, and 3 in Europe, presented with inaugural UNESCO Learning City Awards in 2015. A case study of the city was published by UNESCO Institute of Lifelong Learning (UIL) in Unlocking the Potential of Urban Communities, Case Studies of Twelve Learning Cities also in 2015. The other two European cities are Espoo (Finland) and Swansea.
Cork successfully bid against 3 other European cities to host the conference because of its track record. The international conference presents Ireland with a unique opportunity to further cement the reputation of the country and the city as a centre of excellence in education and learning. The UIL Directorate team visited Cork during the Lifelong Learning Festivals of 2015 and 2016 and selected the city following a strong bid prepared with the assistance of the Cork Convention Bureau who have recognised experience of hosting international conferences of this scale in the city previously.
Advertisement in Irish Examiner, taken out by Cork City Council, 16 September 2017
The Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Tony Fitzgerald has praised the work of the local community in Blackrock ahead of the inaugural Blackrock Village Festival. The Festival takes place on Saturday 16 September 2017, from 2pm to 6pm.
“It is just a short three months since the Blackrock Harbour Renewal Project was completed and formally opened”, said the Lord Mayor. ˜Cork City Council has invested over e2.5 million in upgrading the harbour and the public realm in this historic village. We are delighted to be supporting the local community in celebrating the history, the heritage and the spirit of Blackrock Village”.
The festival will include live entertainments, an open market, puppetry, boat racing and much more.
The various community stakeholders including residents and business interests have worked proactively to create this new festival.
