Since Derry City and Strabane District Council joined UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) in July 2019 under the title “Derry City and Strabane Region”, the aim has been to work towards extending this recognition to our wider North West partners in Donegal—strengthening our shared commitment to lifelong learning for all.
We are delighted to announce that this vision has now been realised. In partnership with the North West Tertiary Education Cluster, Derry City and Strabane District Council, and Donegal County Council, the UNESCO Learning City Initiative is being relaunched and expanded to form the North West Learning City Region.
To mark this milestone, the North West Learning City Region proudly presents an inspiring Lifelong Learning Festival, taking place across Derry~Londonderry, Strabane and Donegal on 4–5 March 2026. Featuring more than 40 free events, the festival celebrates the region’s vibrant learning culture, with opportunities spanning arts and culture, digital skills, business innovation, health and wellbeing, heritage and language, sustainability, and family learning.
Explore the full programme inside and get involved in this celebration of learning across our region.
Download a Course Guide