ultramanskShutterstock.com
Dresden, Germany
Dresden is the capital of the state of Saxony in Germany and is situated on the banks of the Elbe River.
groups
City population
569,173
person
Member since
2024
Mayor
Lord Mayor of the Dresden Mr Dirk Hilbert
Vision
In the medium term, Dresden aims to ensure educational access for diverse groups, breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity. The city plan to integrate lifelong learning into daily life, offering flexible learning opportunities and supporting personal growth. In the long term, Dresden seeks to bolster non-formal learning spaces like community centres while raising awareness about sustainability, environmental protection and health through educational initiatives. The city envisions the development of a learning hub that promotes inclusivity, embraces lifelong learning, encourages personal development, values non-formal learning spaces and prioritizes sustainability.
All actions are guided by the idea of overcoming “educational poverty”. For the future of our urban society, I still see achieving educational equity and mitigating origin-related disadvantages as a major challenge.
format_quote
Lord Mayor of the Dresden Mr Dirk Hilbert
Mayor of Dresden
Policies, plan and implementation
Sustainability and health
Dresden integrates health into its learning city strategy via its Healthy City initiative, which promotes well-being through the provision of green spaces. The Dresden Charter for Sustainability in the Cultural Sector encourages sustainable practices, and projects like City of the Future encourage residents to embrace sustainability.
Equity and inclusion
Dresden prioritizes equity and inclusion across all age groups through comprehensive sectoral plans. Initiatives for day care, youth welfare and assistance for older adults ensure accessible education. The city’s cultural development plan promotes diversity and participation, fostering social cohesion. Action plans such as the UN’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) reinforce Dresden’s commitment to equity and inclusion.
Decent work and entrepreneurship
Dresden’s Office for Economic Development plays a crucial role in implementing projects to support businesses, start-ups and the creative sector. The city also works to promote fair working conditions, align education with industry needs, enhance employment opportunities and foster decent work principles.
Good practices
Powerful Reader!
This project connects volunteer reading mentors with kindergartens and primary schools in Dresden. These mentors offer book-related activities and knowledge-sharing options, fostering reading skills and media literacy. The programme addresses reading deficits through sustainable, collaborative efforts with various partners.
WHO Healthy Cities
Dresden actively participates in the World Health Organization’s Healthy Cities initiative, promoting urban health and well-being. This project encompasses education, health care access, sustainability and social equity. Dresden integrates health into urban policies, fostering collaboration between sectors and linking lifelong learning to well-being. It serves as a platform for sharing best practices and enhancing residents’ quality of life.
ABC Tables!
This initiative by the Environmental Centre brings together residents and refugees in central locations for informal meetings four days a week. These gatherings foster intercultural dialogue, language learning and knowledge-sharing on various topics, enhancing the lifelong learning journey for all participants.