Learning brings people and communities together. Learning opens doors. Learning strengthens the economy. Learning creates a vibrant city for people to work, live and play in.
As the first Canadian city to join the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, Edmonton proudly promotes lifelong learning through unique programs, relationships and partnerships.
October is Learning Month
Check out all the learning opportunities and events happening in Edmonton during the month of October.
Resources
For Students, Teachers and Groups
Educational Programs at City Facilities and Outdoor Spaces
For schools and groups: attractions and outdoor school programs, waste tours, City Hall School and tours, ETS School programs and more!
Elementary and Secondary Schools
Information about publicly funded schools and the resources available.
For Teachers
Sign your class up for some hands-on, interactive learning or take advantage of the teaching resources available.
Post-Secondary Student Resources
Resources for post-secondary students in Edmonton.
Welcome Students
Edmonton is home to over 100,000 post-secondary students. Thank you for choosing Edmonton as your place to study and learn. For more information about our city, including things to do, how to get around and stay safe and healthy, see theWelcome Package for Students.
For Adults, Families, Children and Teens
Child and Youth Programs
Find programs, recreation opportunities, employment, leadership training and drop-in programs for children and youth in the Edmonton region.
City Arts Centre Classes
The City Arts Centre offers art programs in Garneau and at a variety of recreation centres throughout the city. Try your hand at painting, drawing, pottery, dance, stained glass, cooking and more.
Civic Youth Fellowship
Through leadership development, mentorship and a paid 10-week placement with the City of Edmonton, fellows work alongside elected officials, City leaders and teams, contributing to real projects and priorities affecting Edmonton.
Environmental Programs
Our environmental projects are all a part of Greener As We Grow, the climate resilience pillar within the City Plan.
Newcomer's Guide to Edmonton
To help new residents learn about our beautiful city.
Webinars
UNESCO Webinars
AI for lifelong learning in cities – Shaping inclusive local practice
Edmonton was invited to provide its perspective on the role municipalities play in adopting and developing new AI technologies. Edmonton focused on the vital role of its network of learning partners in providing relevant AI education at all stages of life, from fundamentals in the K-12 system to professional upskilling to adult AI literacy.
Exploring learning through culture: Leveraging the arts to empower cities
Edmonton contributed to this UNESCO-led webinar focused on promoting culture and the arts as powerful vehicles for promoting lifelong learning in cities. Joined by leaders from Dorban, South Africa and Marrakech, Morocco, Renée Williams (Executive Director, Edmonton Arts Council) shared her perspective on the immutable importance of the arts.
Education for Sustainable Development in Learning Cities: Promoting green and climate-resilient local communities
Edmonton was asked to contribute a webinar to UNESCO’s “Education for Sustainable Development in Learning Cities: Promoting green and climate-resilient local communities” online module series. Edmonton showed its zoning bylaws and grassroots educational initiatives, highlighting both tangible and culture-building efforts to make Edmonton a sustainable city.
See all UNESCO GNLC Webinars
Learning City Events and Initiatives
Find information about events like FCM Learning City Study Tour, ELLA Anniversary Gala, YWCA Women of Distinction Awards and more!
2026
June 4, 2026: FCM Learning City Study Tour
As part of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Annual Conference, municipal leaders from Alberta and Quebec visited MacEwan University for a tour and panel discussion focused on what it means to be a Learning City. The panel was moderated by Dr. Annette Trimbee, President of MacEwan, and featured representatives from Edmonton Public Library, Qualico Canada and Edmonton Unlimited.
May 12, 2026: ELLA 25th Anniversary Gala
Edmontonians came together to celebrate the Edmonton Lifelong Learning Association (ELLA)’s 25th anniversary. ELLA provides courses on a wide array of topics to seniors across Edmonton, upheld by rigorous academic standards and their team of volunteers. ELLA’s mission is to promote that learning knows no age limit.
May 6, 2026: Prison Education Initiatives in Edmonton
Numerous projects stewarded by Edmonton’s many Learning City partners were praised for their holistic approach to prison education. In particular, programs which successfully promote knowledge, personal growth and a sense of belonging on top of providing academic credit set Edmonton apart.
2022-2025
2025
UNESCO Delegation Visit + C2U Expo 2025
Edmonton was proud to welcome representatives from UNESCO for a tour of a sample of our learning institutions, such as the Edmonton Public Library, University of Alberta, Norquest College, and Fort Edmonton Park. The City then partnered with UNESCO and MacEwan University to host a panel at the C2U Expo 2025 on the theme “Community-Based Research for Learning Cities: Partners in Community Learning.” Participants addressed the opportunities and challenges that come with membership in networks such as the Global Network of Learning Cities.
October 2025: Learning Month Reception 2025
Edmonton continued its tradition of kicking off October Learning Month with a celebration of achievements and progress made towards Learning City goals. Edmonton’s many learning partners gathered at the Stanley A. Milner library for the chance to connect and learn about upcoming Learning Month events. Speakers included Nafaa Haddou, CEO and Co-founder of FireSafe AI, who spoke to the intrinsic link between lifelong learning and an entrepreneurial spirit.
May 1, 2025: YWCA Women of Distinction Awards 2025
A lifelong supporter of inclusive education, Edmonton’s UNESCO Learning City Steering Committee member, Jocelyn Verreault (Registrar and Dean of Academic Affairs, Yellowhead Tribal College) received the YWCA Women of Distinction Trailblazer Award. The Trailblazer Award honours those who have paved the way in their respective fields and celebrates individuals who have broken barriers and pushed boundaries. This accolade followed Jocelyn’s participation in the Sixth International Conference of Learning Cities (ICLC6) at the end of 2024.
2024
December 3-5, 2024: Sixth International Conference of Learning Cities (ICLC6) (Saudi Arabia)
During ICLC6, Edmonton joined fellow members of the Global Network of Learning Cities in Jubail, Saudi Arabia to identify and strengthen lifelong learning policies for climate action, resilience and the establishment of sustainable cities. Yellowhead Tribal College’s Jocelyn Verreault represented Edmonton Learning City at the conference, providing her insights at the “‘Her Impact: Women Shaping Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Learning Cities’” panel.
October 2024: Learning Month Reception 2024
At the second iteration of the October Learning Month Opening Reception, representatives from Edmonton’s post-secondary institutions, school boards, libraries and other key learning partners joined to celebrate achievements made since becoming a UNESCO Learning City.
Shima Robinson, Edmonton’s Poet Laureate (2023 – 2025), prepared a poem in recognition of Edmonton’s heritage of learning.
Edmonton’s History of Verse Pt. 1
June 4-6, 2024: RESDAC Summit (*French only)
Edmonton was invited to participate in the National Summit on Learning for the Canadian Francophonie (RESDAC) held in Ottawa. Councillor Keren Tang and Laura Devaney (Corporate Affairs Director of Conseil Scolaire Centre-Nord) spoke to Edmonton’s Learning City experience at the “Becoming Learning Communities” roundtable session.
International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA VII) follow-up Conference for North America
Edmonton joined representatives from across North America to discuss progress and challenges in implementing the CONFINTEA VII Marrakech Framework for Action. Councillor Anne Stevenson spoke to Edmonton’s experience in becoming North America's first (and, at that point, only) UNESCO Learning City. Participants identified new strategies to improve the accessibility and quality of adult education, including adult learners in financing discussions and supporting virtual education initiatives.
2023
October 2023: October Learning Month Launch Event 2023
Edmonton marked its first year as a UNESCO Learning CIty with the launch of a dedicated Month of Learning – October. The launch of October Learning Month was celebrated with a reception bringing together representatives from Edmonton’s learning community for the Mayor of Edmonton’s official proclamation.
June 2, 2023: International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA VII) follow-up Conference for North America.
CONFINTEA VII Marrakech Framework for Action: Harnessing the transformational power of adult learning and education.
2022
September 2, 2022: Edmonton becomes Canada's first Learning City!
About Being a UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities Member
Edmonton Learning City is a community partnership committed to supporting all Edmontonians in their lifelong learning journeys.
This commitment supports personal growth, while also contributing to 3 areas (portrayed in these videos): inclusion, economy and culture.
Learn More
Edmonton engages lifelong learning to tackle pressing challenges (Canadian Commission UNESCO blog 2025)
Edmonton secures place as Canada's first UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities member
News Release (English) | News Release (French)
Learning Partners
A community coalition, supported by the City of Edmonton, was established in 2021, and continues to direct Edmonton’s strategic Learning City initiatives.
Members include:
Edmonton Public Library
Edmonton Unlimited
Edmonton’s 3 school boards:
Edmonton Public Schools
Edmonton Catholic Schools
Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord
UNESCO
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is dedicated to strengthening international cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture and information.
Did You Know?
Alberta has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other province:
- Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks WHS
- Dinosaur Provincial Park WHS
- Head-Smashed-in Buffalo Jump WHS
- Waterton Glacier International Peace Park WHS
- Wood Buffalo National Park WHS
- Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park / Áísínai’pi WHS
For more information, see World Heritage Sites in Alberta - Alberta Parks
