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Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is the capital and largest city of Thailand and is a global hub for tourism and commerce.
groups
City population
11,000,000
person
Member since
2024
Mayor
Governor of Bangkok Mr Chadchart Sittipunt
Vision
Bangkok is committed to lifelong learning, guided by its 20-year Development Plan and the Governor’s Better Bangkok policy. Medium-term objectives seek to integrate formal and informal learning systems in order to ensure that education remains accessible and in step with the modern world. Long-term goals focus on a sustainable learning ecosystem for all social groups. The city prioritizes resource integration, knowledge sharing and international benchmarks as part of its engagement with UNESCO GNLC.
As knowledge extends beyond the classroom, it is important for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to create a quality learning environment. This is a high-yield investment, recognizing people as the city’s most vital asset.
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Governor of Bangkok Mr Chadchart Sittipunt
Mayor of Bangkok
Policies, plan and implementation
Sustainability and health
Bangkok is integrating sustainability and health through various school and community initiatives. Schools are adopting programmes like Global Citizenship for Sustainable Development, and Schools as a Source of Quality Nutrition to boost student well-being. Public spaces, including renovated Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Community Recreational Spaces, serve as hubs for health and lifelong learning.
Equity and inclusion
In addition to providing free education to all students at BMA schools, Bangkok offers free uniforms and other support to alleviate difficulties for low-income families and protect children’s right to education. The city has an action plan addressing out-of-school children and young people, with a specific focus on those from migrant worker families from neighbouring countries, who form an important part of Bangkok’s diverse demographic.
Decent work and entrepreneurship
The city offers a demand-based curriculum that aligns vocational training with job market needs, such as a hotel service courses designed in collaboration with industry stakeholders. The Made in Bangkok initiative supports local entrepreneurs, while the Skills Training and Career Opportunities for People with Disabilities programme facilitates work-from-home opportunities for those with disabilities, thus furthering inclusivity in employment.
Good practices
Open Education
To unlock children’s full potential, this initiative offers a wide range of active learning modules, including Weekend Classroom, where students engage in non-classroom subjects; After-school Classes, which enable students to pursue interests beyond school hours; Professional Choices, which enhance vocational skills based on students’ preferences; and Specialist Teachers, which invites instructors from the private sector specialized in specific subjects, enriching the concept of schools without boundaries.
12-Month Festival
The 12-Month Festival in Bangkok capitalizes on its festive culture, offering diverse learning programmes each month. Themes like Thai Thai during Songkran and Bangkok Pride during Pride Month provide unique opportunities. This initiative integrates modern learning into everyday life, leveraging the city’s strengths for accessible lifelong learning.
Tech Volunteers
To promote lifelong learning and decent work, Bangkok has established a network of over 500 technology volunteers. These volunteers assist various community members, including older adults, in accessing job opportunities and services like telemedicine. The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide, ensuring equitable access to technology benefits.