This Thursday, December 4, Chía was officially recognized as part of the UNESCO World Network of Learning Cities, an achievement that it shares with 72 other cities from 46 countries around the world. The distinction highlights the City of the Moon’s commitment to lifelong learning and the comprehensive development of its community.
The recognition is based on the advances promoted from the 2024–2027 Development Plan, especially in the Action Training for the Future line, which strengthens inclusive education, technological innovation, evening programs, teacher training and expanded access to higher education through initiatives such as the University Block.
Being part of this global network offers benefits such as international positioning, access to specialized technical cooperation and the permanent exchange of experiences with more than 300 cities in the world, all focused on promoting education as the basis of sustainable development.
Sustainability is also a key axis of local educational policy. Through Environmental Educational Projects, institutions work on school gardens, circular economy and environmental conservation. At the same time, the School Health Program promotes nutrition, mental health and healthy lifestyle strategies.
The Inclusive Education Policy guarantees comprehensive attention in the 12 official institutions of Chía, while intergenerational and culturally relevant projects strengthen social cohesion and preserve community knowledge. In addition, entrepreneurship education is integrated from preschool to high school, in coordination with SENA and the Secretariat of Economic Development.
“Lifelong learning is essential for the development of Chía. By investing in continuous education, we build a resilient, equitable and competitive city,” said Mayor Leonardo Donoso Ruiz.
Among the good practices that stood out to UNESCO are the School Feeding Program (PAE), with 100% coverage and more than 14,000 students benefiting, and the FOES strategy, which expands opportunities for access to higher education.
With these advances, Chía consolidates its leadership as an innovative, inclusive and sustainable city, reaffirming that education is the engine of its present and future transformation.
