Today at the All-Island Network of UNESCO Learning Cities, our Co-Chair Danny Power and Stuart Douglas from Eastside Partnership / Eastside Learning shared powerful reflections on building learning neighbourhoods and what it really takes to sustain and grow lifelong learning across our communities.
It was a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues from Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Limerick, the North West and Midlands regions, sharing challenges, ideas and inspiration as we work collectively to strengthen lifelong learning in every place and at every stage of life.
Looking forward to continuing future shared exchanges like these.
#learningcities
#unesco
Last week we celebrated the magic of reading for World Book Day đâ¨
Across five @belfastcitycouncil Play Centres, children enjoyed some wonderfully creative activities from reading in the dark to storytelling and imaginative play inspired by their favourite books.
A brilliant way to mark @go_all_in_2026 National Year of Reading, celebrating the joy of stories and inspiring a love of reading from an early age.
Huge thanks to @literacy_trust for providing free books to families in attendance.
#nationalyearofreading2026
#goallin2026
Happy #WorldBookDay đ
To celebrate #nationalyearofreading2026, @librariesni have launched the Book Bingo Challenge - and weâd love you to take part!
Using the Book Bingo card shown, choose any squares that spark your interest and start reading (or listening)! You can also pick up a physical book bingo card from reception at City Hall.
Once you have finished a book, or if you have a good idea for a book under a particular prompt, weâd love you to share your recommendation with others through our online community space (link in bio). This is a great way to:
â¨Discover what others are reading
â¨Help build a Belfast ârecommended readsâ list
â¨Inspire someone elseâs next book choice
â¨Celebrate reading and lifelong learning across our city
#goallin
@literacy_trust
Last Thursday we joined University of the Third Age for their 25th anniversary celebrations! đ
With over 1,200 members and 70 activity groups, itâs proof that learning doesnât stop â and neither do opportunities to connect.
Not in employment right now? This could be the perfect time to try something new, meet new people and build your confidence in a supportive community. đ
Visit the link in our comments to find out more.
#LifelongLearning #BelfastLearningCity #itsnevertoolatetolearn
â°One week left to get involved in this years' #BelfastLearningFestival (8-14 June 2026)
If your organisation has been thinking about hosting a workshop, talk, class, tour or performance, don't wait any longer!
Last year's festival brought people together through incredible experiences (including this fantastic @belfastargentinetangosociety eventđ) and we'd love to showcase YOUR event this year.
â¨Open to organisations, community groups, educators, and businesses
â¨Great opportunity to share skills, celebrate learning and connect with new audiences
â¨Small grants up to ÂŁ500 available for constituted, not for profit organisations
Submission deadline: 12 noon 2nd March
Email [email protected] to get involved
#getinvolved
Help us make 2026 our biggest and most inclusive celebration of learning yet! đ
The Belfast Learning Festival returns from 8-14 June and we're shining a light on Belfast as a @unescouil City of Learning - where learning happens everywhere from classrooms to community, centres, parks to playgrounds, libraries to lecture theatres, cafĂŠs to cultural venues, workplaces to waterfront spaces.
If you're interested in getting involved, comment below, send us a message or follow the link in our bio for more information. We'd love to chat with you.
Throwback to @belfastymca event last year learning about wildlife đ
#belfastlearningfestival2026 #UNESCO
Last year, 130 events and activities took place across the city as part of the #BelfastLearningFestival đŤ
Can your organisation play a part in 2026?
We want to showcase Belfast as a @unesco Learning City, a place where learning happens everywhere: from our classrooms to community centres, parks to playgrounds, on our streets and in shared spaces across the city.
Got an idea? đ¤šââď¸
A skill to share? đ¤¸ââď¸đ§đ¨
A space where learning happens? đŞ
This year, we'd love you to be part of it.
To find out more, follow the link in our bio or search Belfast Learning Festival.
Yesterday we were proud to attend the launch of the National Year of Reading 2026 at Stormont.
This year is the ultimate celebration of reading and how reading in all its forms counts, whether itâs a novel, comic magazine, article or audiobook.
As part of the upcoming Belfast Learning Festival which returns to the city 8-14 June, we want to showcase the many ways we can learn through reading.
Visit the links in our bio to play your part.
#GoAllIn2026 #NationalYearOfReading2026
#BelfastLearningFestival2026
Belfastâs biggest learning celebration is back! đ
From 8-14 June 2026, the Belfast Learning Festival will showcase Belfast as a City of Learning - a place where learning happens everywhere.
Whether youâre showcasing existing work or trying something new, weâd love you to be part of it by hosting your own learning event.
Anyone delivering or supporting learning in Belfast is welcome to take part, including businesses, community and voluntary groups, charities, schools, colleges, cultural organisations, and social enterprises.
Funding to help with event costs is available for eligible organisations.
Find out more and get involved by visiting the link in our bio!
#BelfastLearningFestival2026
Last week, we were delighted to host a two day exchange visit with @unescouil Learning Cities across the island of Ireland - including Cork, Waterford, Limerick, and Derry-Strabane.
Lord Mayor of Belfast Cllr. Tracy Kelly opened the event @themacbelfast followed by a rich panel discussion exploring the role of lifelong learning in sustainable creative cities.
Huge thanks to our panel chair Noelle Mc Alinden and panel members: Professor Frank Lyons @ulsteruni , Professor Michael Alcorn @qubelfast , Sheena Kelly @universityofatypical and Niamh Kelly @belfastcitycouncil
We also heard powerful personal stories from Caroline, Maura and Mamodou who shared how storytelling has supported their wellbeing through the Rest of the Story project, delivered by @nooneleftbehind_ppr
To finish the visit, the brilliant Dolores Vischer @creativetoursbelfast guided delegates on immersive tour, showcasing what makes Belfast a UNESCO City of Music with inspiring stops at @ohyeahcentre@culturlann and @eastsidepship
A fantastic two days of connection, creativity and shared learning.
#LearningCities
@learningderrystrabane@corklearning@limerickllfestival@ourbelfastmusic
Last week we joined representatives from across 15 countries to form a new European and North American UNESCO Learning Cities network. đ
From inspiring discussions in the city of Ăvry-Courcouronnes, to visiting the Learning Planet Institute and @unesco headquarters in Paris, the energy and commitment to lifelong learning was powerful.
Itâs clear that when cities come together to share ideas, challenges, and successes, the potential for impact is enormous. Excited to bring fresh ideas and connections back to Belfast as we continue building a city where learning is for everyone, at every stage of life.
@unescouil@lpiparis
#belfastlearningcity
Delighted to support the Aisling Education Bursaries again this year. Best of luck to Ryan, Tanya and Tierna as they embark on the next stage of their educational journey. Your achievements will help inspire others across Belfast to embrace lifelong learning. ⨠Well done to @westbelfastpartnershipboard supporting local residents in West Belfast and Shankill to achieve their goals! #BelfastLearningCity #AislingAwards
