Fantastic news for Laois and Midlands as region honoured with UNESCO status

County Laois and the wider Midlands region has welcomed the news that the Midlands Region of Ireland has been named among UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities.

UNESCO has welcomed 72 new cities from 46 countries to the Global Network of Learning Cities, recognizing their outstanding commitment to making the right to education across all ages a reality for all at the local level.

UNESCO Learning Cities are dynamic communities where learning is embedded in everyday life – across schools, workplaces, libraries, homes, and public spaces. They create opportunities for all through reskilling and upskilling workers to meet evolving job markets, providing literacy for those who missed out in early years, empowering citizens of all ages to navigate and shape the AI era, and fostering entrepreneurial mindsets.

The cross-county region of Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath has been recognised for its youthful demographic with almost 50% of the Midlands' population under 35-years-old and they way in which the region provides a dynamic base for learning, skills, education and workforce development. 

UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities has highlighted the many exceptional organisations and networks that promote lifelong learning in the Midlands and Laois.

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For example, the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan (MREP) and Skills Forum, Technological University of the Shannon, and community Learning Gates all demonstrate the region’s dedication to providing opportunities for learners. Additionally, Education and Training Boards, such as the Laois Offaly ETB, are considered the "cornerstone" of accessible further education and training. 

As well as this, the Midlands Regional Skills Forum aligns education provision with enterprise needs. Local Enterprise Offices, such as in Portlaoise, also support entrepreneurship with courses like Lean for Micro and Start Your Own Business.

Commenting on this fantastic achievement, Midlands Regional Skills Forum Manager, John Costello said:  "This recognition by UNESCO is a powerful endorsement of the Midlands' shared commitment to lifelong learning and inclusion. It reflects the exceptional collaboration across local authorities, education providers, enterprise, and state agencies to ensure learning is accessible at every stage of life."

Chief Executive of Laois County Council and Designated Chief Executive for the Midlands Region, Michael Rainey, welcomed the UNESCO status, saying: "The recognition afforded to the Midlands Region by UNESCO as part of the Global Network of Learning Cities acknowledges the collaboration between all parties to ensure that we continue to lay the foundations for a strong economy by providing a range of learning opportunities in an inclusive manner."

Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Barry Walsh, added: "We are thrilled to see the Midlands Region of Ireland recognised as part of UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities. Ensuring access to education and skills development from primary school through third level and apprenticeships across all sectors, is a top priority for our region."

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme