The University of Manchester is celebrating a momentous occasion as the city of Manchester receives international acclaim with not one, but two prestigious UNESCO designations.  

Recognised as both a City of Literature and a City of Lifelong Learning, Manchester joins a select group of global cities acknowledged for their commitment to education, creativity and cultural development. 

The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Manchester City Council came together yesterday to celebrate Manchester’s dual status as a UNESCO City of Lifelong Learning and Literature. 

The celebration was held at Manchester Metropolitan University, and The University of Manchester’s President and Vice-Chancellor Duncan Ivison delivered the event’s closing remarks. 

The UNESCO status of City of Lifelong Learning is an important accolade for The University of Manchester, as lifelong learning is one of the University’s key focuses.  

Lifelong learning provides the opportunity for access to a University of Manchester education without the commitment of full-time on campus study, creating a more flexible and inclusive learning environment. 

Outside of the classroom, lifelong learning also provides support for learner’s personal and professional development, aligning with industry and employer needs by driving economic, social and cultural progress. 

The University is continuously working with students, alumni, businesses and strategic industry partners to make the University a Learning Partner for Life.   

Professor Ang Davies, Academic Lead for Lifelong Learning at The University of Manchester, said: “We are extremely proud to join the UNESCO family of Learning Cities and have already made many connections in the UK and beyond. Within The University we strive to develop inclusive, equitable and valued education that supports both personal and professional development. By working closely with our partners including Manchester City Council and Manchester Metropolitan University we will support sustainable economic, social and cultural development of our city region through lifelong learning.”

Mags Bradbury, Head of Social Responsibility & Civic Engagement at The University of Manchester, said: “We are proud to be part of this city-wide partnership, working with civic partners, supporting the ambitions of our city. It’s great that we can share what we are doing locally on lifelong learning through UNESCO, delivering in Manchester our commitment to the global UN Sustainable Development Goals.”  

The UNESCO City of Lifelong Learning designation was given to Manchester last February. In a short period of time, the partnership has launched over 90 projects, delivered events reaching 14,000 learners and over 2,000 learning and skills specialists have attended professional development events. Three films, launched this week, showcase the impact of the designation on learners and providers.   

The event also showcased the projects from artists funded by the British Council’s International Collaboration Grant, who have been collaborating between Manchester and Nanjing – one of few other cities globally to have this prestigious dual designation. Yesterday’s event marked the culmination of a 9-month artistic exchange exploring the natural world through literature.  

Also showcased at the event was an exhibition of artwork and writing by young students, developed through a school engagement programme involving Year 3-6 pupils from Manchester and Nanjing schools. The work created by the artist exchange and schools programme will be open to the public as part of Festival of Libraries at Manchester Central Library from 3 – 17 June 2025. 

Ivan Wadeson, Executive Director of Manchester City of Literature, says: “Huge thanks to Arts Council England and the British Council International Collaboration Grants for their support to make this happen, alongside the regular funders of Manchester City of Literature: Manchester City Council, The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.”

Jill Griffiths, Head of the School of Digital Arts and Academic Lead for Lifelong Learning at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “It’s a privilege to host the event at Manchester Metropolitan University in celebration of the UNESCO City of Lifelong Learning and City of Literature designations.

“Working in partnership with Manchester City Council and The University of Manchester to attain these designations is a reflection of the collaborative ethos of the city and Manchester Met, and this event, which also took place during the Festival of Libraries, was a vibrant celebration showcasing the breadth and depth of our creative and cultural offering alongside our commitment to making lifelong learning a reality for everybody within Manchester.”

• Find out more about the artist exchange, exhibition and project. 
• Find out more about the British Council International Collaboration Grants.