Waterford has officially launched its status as a UNESCO Learning City, marking a major step in the region’s long-standing commitment to lifelong learning and educational inclusion.
WWETB is proud to have collaborated on this initiative with key partners South East Technological University (SETU) and Waterford City and County Council, who together spearheaded the initiative.
Dr Karina Daly, Chief Executive of WWETB, said, “It is fitting that Waterford is now recognised as a UNESCO Learning City given the genuine dedication and commitment to education and training across the city and county in recent years. WWETB is delighted to partner with SETU and Waterford City and County Council to ensure that Waterford continues to grow and develop its capacity to provide learning opportunities for all its citizens, meeting each learner where they are at.”
“We believe that, fundamentally, there is a path to learning for all, and that the educational and training experience should be transformative for all students and adult learners alike. WWETB is excited to be part of this journey – lifelong learning as a concept is core to what we believe in and WWETB commits to providing quality education and training opportunities for citizens across Waterford city and county,” Dr Daly concluded.
Speaking about this achievement, Prof. Veronica Campbell, President of SETU, said, “SETU is proud to play a central role in establishing the Waterford as a UNESCO Learning City. This initiative represents a transformative opportunity to strengthen educational access, foster innovation, and build a thriving, inclusive learning community across Waterford and the wider region.”
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan said, “We are proud to see Waterford recognised as a UNESCO Learning City.”
“Through the collaborative efforts of Waterford City and County Council, SETU and WWETB, lifelong learning opportunities will now be more accessible and attainable than ever. This people-centred, learning-focus approach will not only consolidate Waterford as a learning city, but it will also lessen the inequalities within disadvantaged and marginalised communities across the region.”
Sean McKeown, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council added, “The benefits of being a UNESCO Learning City cannot be overstated. This copper fastens Waterford’s commitment to lifelong learning by fostering a more inclusive learning society and creating opportunities for everyone to benefit, socially, economically, and personally.”
Along with supporting partners Buíon, Waterford Chamber, Kilkenny County Council, and the Southern Regional Assembly, the Waterford Learning City working group looks forward to working in partnership with wider communities and organisations within the city centre to celebrate, promote, and progress lifelong learning opportunities for the population.
A key element of this initiative was the appointment of Learning City Project Manager, Laura Power, who will work to coordinate partner initiatives under the UNESCO Learning City programme.
The UNESCO Learning City designation celebrates cities around the world that show exceptional progress in promoting lifelong learning for all. As a member of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, Waterford now joins a global community dedicated to advancing education, innovation, and social inclusion. Work will focus on creating seamless learning pathways, expanding access to education and training, and ensuring that learning remains relevant to both personal growth and regional economic needs.
The recognition of Waterford as a UNESCO Learning City represents not only a celebration of progress but also a renewed commitment to ensuring that education and training remain at the heart of the region’s social and economic future.
