Under the theme “New Roles and Strategies for Lifelong Learning in Educating Cities in the Era of the SDGs”, the meeting highlights innovative approaches to urban education, sharing best practices and experiences that help cities grow as inclusive, knowledge-based communities.

The program includes several key activities:

• Opening Ceremony, featuring speeches by the Mayor of Changwon, the Mayor of Dalseo District, the Secretary General of IAEC, and the President of the Korean Association of Lifelong Learning Cities. During the ceremony, Lee Tae-hoon, Mayor of Dalseo, will proclaim the Vision for the Future.
• Opening Lecture: “Small Actions for a Sustainable Life”, delivered by Julian Quintart (EU Goodwill Ambassador for Climate Action / communicator).
• Keynote Speech: “New Roles and Strategies for Lifelong Learning in Educating Cities in the Era of the SDGs”, by Professor Jung Woo-Tak (Kyung Hee University / former Director of the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding).
• Roundtable Discussion: “The Role of Educating Cities in Achieving Sustainable Cities”, moderated by Professor Lee Hee-soo (Chung-Ang University).
• Experience Presentations:
  • Loulé (Portugal): ASAS Project (Village of Knowledge and Affection).
  • Curitiba (Brazil): Municipal School of Sustainability.
  • Dalseo District (Korea): Forum for the 20th Anniversary as a Lifelong Learning City.
• Approval of a Joint Declaration and promotion of the 2026 International Congress.

The program also includes study visits to the Dalseo Lifelong Learning Center, the Dalseo Prehistoric Site, and the celebration of the Lifelong Learning Festival at Wolgwang Riverside Park.