In the city, many innovative models and creative approaches have been implemented by localities, contributing to enhancing the position of Son La as a global learning city, in line with the city's strategic goals. The "Global Learning City" is an award honored by UNESCO every two years. On February 14, 2024, alongside 62 other cities from 34 countries, Son La city, Son La province, was proudly recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as part of the "Global Learning Cities" network. This brought the network to a total of 356 cities in 79 countries, benefiting more than 390 million people with lifelong learning opportunities.

To be recognized in UNESCO’s "Global Learning Cities" network, Son La city has invested 1.44 trillion VND since 2020, accounting for 33.7% of the city's total budget allocation for education. The city's infrastructure, including classrooms, teaching equipment, cultural community centers, and community learning centers at various wards, communes, and villages, have been consistently built, renovated, and upgraded. With the slogan "Lifelong Learning, Sustainable Culture, Bright Future, Deep Integration," Son La city will continue with its goal of "Building a Learning Society," focusing on providing tangible benefits for local residents. The city aims to create conditions for individuals and organizations to engage in lifelong learning, contributing to the development of Son La as a "peaceful and distinctive" city. By 2030, Son La city strives for 100% of educational units to transition their management, teaching, and learning activities to digital platforms, enhancing the quality of education. The city will further develop a lifelong learning ecosystem, promoting workplace learning, learning for work, reading culture, communication, and the concept of learning anytime, anywhere. Son La also plans to introduce ethnic minority language teaching programs at all education levels and transform schools into three core centers: Education Centers, Cultural Centers, and Community Centers. Additionally, the city will continue to effectively implement learning models, ensuring 95% of households, 13 ethnic groups, 100% of communities at the ward and commune levels, and 90% of exemplary citizens participate. The "Intellectual House" model will be efficiently operated in 100% of villages and communities. The city also aims to preserve and promote the Thai dance "Xòe," recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, maintaining the six ancient Xòe Thai dances and the Unity Dance. Efforts will be made to protect and preserve the languages and writing systems of ethnic minorities, revive and maintain traditional festivals, and promote handicraft industries tied to local heritage.

Huong Diep

Translated by Huyen Vu