In the latest in our series of blog posts on climate action in learning cities, published to coincide with the Sixth International Conference on Learning Cities, Talea Abdullah Al-Asmari explains how lifelong learning is critical to his city’s approach to climate action
The concept of lifelong learning is closely linked, in the modern context, to social and economic development. It forms the cornerstone of innovative and sustainable societies. Jubail Industrial City in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an example of a city that has fostered this kind of integrated, collaborative approach. Through various strategies, partnerships and alliances, Jubail has made lifelong learning an essential component of its development plans, focusing on enhancing human capital and equipping people with the necessary skills to keep pace with ongoing global changes.
In a rapidly changing world, continuous learning has become a crucial requirement for achieving resilience and sustainability. Learning cities are not merely advanced urban environments; they are comprehensive systems designed to empower individuals to acquire knowledge and skills throughout their lives. Jubail aims to exemplify this vision, reflecting a deep commitment to developing educational infrastructure and implementing programmes that support all community members, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a government programme that aims to diversify the economy, empower citizens and create a vibrant environment for both local and international investors.
Key strategies include:
1. Effective public-private partnerships
Jubail fosters partnerships between the Royal Commission for Jubail and major industrial companies to enhance vocational training. Through these collaborations, specialized, sustainable training programmes are provided to develop workers’ skills and prepare them for the industrial jobs market.
2. Innovative evening learning centres
The city operates education centres in every residential neighbourhood, offering comprehensive learning environments for all age groups. These centres run specialized evening programmes for residents, including vocational and technical skills training, language courses, and personal development programmes.
3. Integrating technology into education
Technology serves as a cornerstone in advancing the education system in Jubail. The city provides state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms equipped with the latest technologies, supporting learning from kindergarten to university levels. Additionally, international educational institutions collaborate to offer advanced learning resources.
4. Promoting environmental sustainability through education
Given its industrial nature, Jubail emphasizes year-round awareness programmes and community campaigns on environmental preservation. These initiatives include training factory workers in clean production techniques and raising public awareness about sustainable development and environmental conservation.
While Jubail has made important progress as an innovative learning city, it has also encountered challenges in implementing its lifelong learning strategies and becoming a model of sustainable development.
Adapting to the rapid pace of digital transformation
The rapid pace of technological advancements is an ongoing challenge, as modern technologies have become a central component of education systems, creating a need to continuously update skills and infrastructure to keep pace with these changes. To address this, Jubail has launched training programmes targeting diverse segments of the community to ensure that everyone can benefit from these advancements.
Sustaining resources and funding
Implementing lifelong learning programmes requires significant investment, including infrastructure development and long-term programme support. In light of global economic challenges, the need to diversify funding sources and establish sustainable partnerships is increasingly apparent. The city has developed partnerships with the private sector, focusing on mechanisms to ensure initiatives continue regardless of shifting economic priorities.
Measuring impact and managing expectations
Measuring the actual impact of lifelong learning programmes on society and the economy has proven one of the most complex challenges. While positive indicators are evident, a deeper analysis is needed to assess the long-term effects of these programmes on innovation and quality of life.
Promoting a culture of lifelong learning and environmental action
Fostering a culture of lifelong learning and raising environmental awareness demanded significant efforts to shift traditional mindsets among various stakeholders. To achieve this, the city launched awareness campaigns and strategic communication policies to foster societal consensus and mutual trust, ultimately supporting the city’s ambitious vision.
Despite these challenges, Jubail Industrial City’s lifelong learning strategies have yielded fruitful results across various dimensions, including climate action.
Through innovative strategies, its strategic partnerships with the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning and other local and international organizations, and a steadfast commitment to its vision, the city has built a solid foundation from which to achieve its educational and environmental goals, maintaining economic competitiveness while promoting social development.
Training programmes have fostered a culture of environmental responsibility and reduced the adverse impacts of industrial activities, establishing the city as a model for sustainable development and environmental protection.
The city has also encouraged a shift towards sustainable behaviours and practices through programmes and events, and school-based initiatives to raise environmental awareness.
Educational institutions are recognized as important catalysts for lifelong learning and raising awareness of climate and sustainability issues. By integrating climate education into curricula and offering training programmes for students and teachers, these institutions empower future generations to become environmental stewards.
Jubail’s work in this area has been recognized through numerous international and regional awards for environmental protection. In 2023, for example, the city was awarded the Air Quality Monitoring Program Compliance Certificate by the US Environmental Protection Agency, while in 2022 it won first place in the Arab Towns Organization Environmental Awareness Award. Nationally, it has achieved a 100 per cent compliance rate in improving energy efficiency.
As well as being a strong local example, Jubail aims to communicate its experience more widely. Through its collaborations with international organizations such as UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities, Jubail has shared its story with other cities to support and encourage them in achieving key environmental goals.
Jubail’s approach to lifelong learning delivers a clear message: sustainable development is achieved through investing in people. Through its integrated vision, the city has built an educational community able to empower current and future generations to confidently face the challenges of climate change.
Talea Abdullah Al-Asmari is a member of the Jubail Industrial City Learning Team and Quality Supervisor