Nasiriyah named Iraq’s first UNESCO learning city

DHI QAR – The University of Dhi Qar said Nasiriyah has joined UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities, becoming the first Iraqi city to receive the designation. The listing comes as part of a group of 72 new cities from 46 countries that UNESCO said reflects recognition of Nasiriyah’s role in promoting lifelong learning for all residents.

The university said the achievement followed direct guidance from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, with specialized teams working to meet UNESCO’s criteria. It described the step as a milestone for Iraq and for Dhi Qar governorate.

University President Kamal Hamid al-Yasiri said “this achievement represents an important stage in strengthening lifelong learning in the governorate, supports sustainable development goals, and enhances the standing of the university and the governorate as a hub of knowledge open to global experience.”

He added that Nasiriyah’s inclusion “reflects international recognition of the role of institutions in Dhi Qar, especially the University of Dhi Qar, in promoting continuous learning and expanding opportunities for all social groups.” Al-Yasiri praised the efforts of the university’s academic assistant, Shakir Kazem Ali, and teams in the Scholarships and Cultural Relations Department, saying the membership file was prepared with “high professionalism.”

He said the designation would not have been possible without support from the ministry, local institutions and community partners, and that the university will continue implementing programs aligned with UNESCO’s standards to strengthen Nasiriyah’s position as a leading learning city at the national and regional levels.

In its own statement, UNESCO welcomed Nasiriyah to the network, saying the selection “represents recognition of Nasiriyah’s role in promoting lifelong learning for all groups in the city.” The agency said the 72 new members expand the Global Network of Learning Cities, launched in 2013, to 425 cities in 91 countries that together serve nearly 500 million people.

UNESCO describes learning cities as places where education extends into daily life in workplaces, public spaces, libraries, museums and homes, offering opportunities for all ages, from early childhood through adulthood.