Gaeilge
UNESCO designation expands to include Donegal as leaders commit to widening lifelong learning opportunities across the region
Community leaders, educators and civic representatives gathered at Ulster University’s Derry~Londonderry campus to mark the relaunch of the North West Learning City Region, a major milestone in cross-border collaboration and lifelong learning.
The move builds on the existing Derry City and Strabane Learning City designation, part of UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC), and reflects the strong educational, cultural and economic links across the North West.
The initiative is led by the North West Tertiary Education Cluster – Ulster University, Atlantic Technological University, North West Regional College and Donegal Education and Training Board – in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council.
Through the expanded designation, partners aim to strengthen cross-border pathways in education and skills, widen participation in lifelong learning, and support innovation and creativity across communities.
The relaunch coincided with the North West Lifelong Learning Festival, held on 4–5 March, which featured more than 40 free events across the region exploring topics including arts and culture, digital skills, business innovation, sustainability and wellbeing.
A keynote lecture, Unlocking Creativity in the North West, was delivered by Professor Declan Keeney, Co-Founder and CEO of Studio Ulster Ltd and Professor of Screen Technologies and Innovation at Ulster University.
Professor Malachy Ó Néill, Director of Regional Engagement at Ulster University, said: “Ulster University is committed to being a key partner in the educational, cultural and social life of our communities.
This milestone marks a significant step forward for cross-border collaboration and embodies the core aim of the North West Tertiary Education Cluster – to enhance learning pathways and create inclusive opportunities for individuals and communities across the North West.”
“The newly expanded North West Learning City Region underscores our shared dedication to promoting lifelong learning for all, supporting personal development, social inclusion, economic opportunity and community wellbeing throughout the region.”
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, said: “I am delighted to welcome this significant milestone, which marks the next chapter in our region’s journey, building on the strong foundations laid by the Derry City and Strabane Learning City initiative, our membership of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, and our longstanding cross-border strategic partnerships.
This achievement reaffirms our shared commitment to ensuring that lifelong learning is accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance.
In an ever-evolving world, the ability to continuously learn, upskill, reskill, and adapt to the changing needs of industry and education is essential. By empowering our citizens with these opportunities, we not only enhance individual potential but also strengthen our regional economy, enabling it to grow, innovate, and thrive.
I would like to pay tribute to the leadership and vision demonstrated by our partners in the North West Tertiary Education Cluster and Donegal County Council. Together, we are inspired, energised, and empowered in our ambition as we continue to build a dynamic and inclusive Learning City for the North West.”
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Paul Canning, said the expansion reflects the close connections across the region: “The inclusion of Donegal in the newly named North West Learning City Region is more than a symbolic step. It is a powerful statement about who we are. Ours is a region defined not by borders, but by relationships — by shared educational, cultural and community ties that have long connected Derry, Strabane and Donegal.
This milestone has been made possible through the leadership of the North West Tertiary Education Cluster and its partners: Ulster University, Atlantic Technological University, North West Regional College and Donegal Education and Training Board, working in partnership with both councils.
Together, they demonstrate what meaningful cross-border collaboration looks like — strengthening learning pathways, widening participation, and ensuring that opportunity is accessible to all.”
Paul Hannigan, Vice President for Cross-Border Engagement at Atlantic Technological University, said: “Today’s relaunch of the North West Learning City Region is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved through genuine cross‑border collaboration. By bringing together partners from education, local government, industry and community, we are creating a region where learning is accessible, inclusive and embedded in every stage of life. This partnership strengthens the North West’s shared vision for innovation, creativity and opportunity, and Atlantic Technological University is proud to play a role in shaping that future.”
Leo Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive of North West Regional College, added: “The relaunch of the North West Learning City Region is a powerful step forward
for lifelong learning across our city region. By working together across the border, we can create clear, flexible pathways that help people of all ages to learn, upskill and progress, whether into employment, further study or new opportunities, ensuring learning is accessible to everyone, at every stage of life”.
Anne McHugh, Chief Executive of Donegal Education and Training Board, said: “Donegal ETB is proud to be part of this strengthened cross border partnership, which speaks in a very real way to our strategic objectives as an organisation aiming to improve the life chances of the people of Donegal and the expansion of the Learning City designation will allow us to address the deep educational, cultural, and community ties that have long connected Donegal and Derry-Strabane.
Lifelong learning transforms lives, supports vibrant communities, and fuels regional prosperity. Through this enhanced collaboration, we can create even more inclusive pathways that enable people of all ages to learn, upskill, and thrive.
Today’s relaunch reflects a shared ambition across the North West — to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential, and that our region continues to grow as a dynamic, creative, and forward-looking place to live, learn, and work.”
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Press release supplied by Ulster University