Offaly in region which joins UNESCO’s 'Global Network of Learning Cities'

THE Midlands Region of Ireland – including Offaly - is among 72 cities from 46 countries joining UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities.

UNESCO welcomes 72 new cities from 46 countries to the Global Network of Learning Cities, recognizing their outstanding commitment to making the right to education across all ages a reality for all at the local level.

UNESCO Learning Cities are dynamic communities where learning is embedded in everyday life – across schools, workplaces, libraries, homes, and public spaces. They create opportunities for all - reskilling and upskilling workers to meet evolving job markets, providing literacy for those who missed out in early years, empowering citizens of all ages to navigate and shape the AI era, and fostering entrepreneurial mindsets.

The Midlands Ireland Region is a dynamic cross-county region in the heart of Ireland, spanning Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath. Its youthful demographic, with nearly 50% under 35 years, provides a dynamic base for learning, skills, education and workforce development.

According to Midlands Regional Skills Forum Manager, John Costello: “This recognition by UNESCO is a powerful endorsement of the Midlands shared commitment to lifelong learning and inclusion. It reflects the exceptional collaboration across local authorities, education providers, enterprise, and state agencies to ensure learning is accessible at every stage of life.”

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Midlands Ireland promotes lifelong learning through the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan (MREP) and Skills Forum, linking public and private sectors to widen access. The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) advances this vision with flexible pathways, blended delivery and recognition of prior learning, while community Learning Gates extend higher education to remote areas. Supported by national and EU frameworks, the Midlands strengthens opportunities for all learners and, as a GNLC member, it aims to contribute as a ‘learning region’ model with inclusive access and green skills development.

Michael Rainey, (Laois County Council) Designated Chief Executive for the Midlands Region welcomed the Status for the region stating – “The recognition afforded to the Midlands Region by UNESCO as part of the Global Network of Learning Cities acknowledges the collaboration between all parties to ensure that we continue to lay the foundations for a strong economy by providing a range of learning opportunities in an inclusive manner.”

A number of good practice initiatives have been put in place to drive lifelong learning within the Midlands Region which ensures equity for all in addition to supporting programmes to foster entrepreneurship such as:

The Learning Gates initiative places digital learning hubs in rural communities, reducing geographic barriers and fostering inclusion. TUS also co-designs industry-led micro-credentials in sectors such as ICT and advanced manufacturing and contributes to the Regional University Network-European University, which promotes interdisciplinary education, joint degrees, and staff/student mobility, embedding a culture of continuous and collaborative learning.

The Midlands Regional Skills Forum is a multi-stakeholder platform aligning education provision with enterprise needs. Its ICT Skills Survey (2024) projected demand for 800 new recruits over five years, prompting targeted actions such as STEM engagement programmes (involving over 2,000 students in 2024) and the development of Career Pathways. The Forum also contributed to raising Computer Science availability to 47% of regional secondary schools, up from near-zero before 2019.

The ETBs are cornerstones of accessible further education and training. Their commitment to lifelong learning is epitomized by facilities like the Midlands Skills Centre, a state-of-the-art facility providing hands-on training in a simulated Good Manufacturing Practice environment. Its programmes directly address workforce needs in the biopharma and MedTech sectors, equipping learners with industry-standard skills, and strengthening the resilience of the regional economy.

Equity is widened through TUS Learning Gates, which provide local access to online and blended higher education, and ETB Digital Literacy Programmes that target digital inclusion. Initiatives include English for Speakers of Other Languages, the STEM Passport for Inclusion, autism-unit STEM engagement, and University of Sanctuary Scholarships for refugees.

Local Enterprise Offices support entrepreneurship with courses like Lean for Micro and Start Your Own Business. TUS fosters innovation through Active Enterprise Consultancy, Enterprise and Innovation Hubs, and Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers Programme.

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Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council Cllr Barry Walsh stated:“We are thrilled to see the Midlands Region of Ireland recognised as part of UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities. Ensuring access to education and skills development from primary school through third level and apprenticeships across all sectors, is a top priority for our region.”

With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/72-cities-46-countries-join-unescos-global-network-learning-cities