Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city, is making its mark internationally not only as a hub of culture and business but also as a UNESCO-recognized Learning City. This status highlights the city’s commitment to building a culture where learning is accessible, inclusive, and lifelong.
Lifelong learning at the heart of city development
Kaunas integrates learning into its urban strategy. From early childhood education to senior activities, the city creates opportunities for residents of all ages. Community centres, universities, and innovation hubs all work together to provide formal, non-formal, and digital learning options.
Recent initiatives include:
– Green and healthy lifestyles: Cycling infrastructure, public “Move Healthy” programmes, and nutrition workshops.
– Digital upskilling: requalification courses and startup support programmes for entrepreneurs.
– Inclusive education: social services and targeted support for vulnerable groups, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Why Kaunas stands out
Kaunas demonstrates that learning is not limited to classrooms. It is woven into the city’s culture, economy, and community life. By empowering citizens through knowledge, skills, and innovation, Kaunas builds resilience and competitiveness in a rapidly changing world.
Facts & Figures: Kaunas as a Learning City
| Indicator | Value |
| Population | ~305,000 residents |
| University students | 30,000+ across major universities (KTU, VDU, LSMU, etc.) |
| General education schools | 90+ schools with 35,000 pupils |
| Vocational learners | Several thousand in Kaunas training centres |
| IT sector | 16,000+ specialists, one of the fastest-growing in the Baltics |
| UNESCO status | Member of the Global Network of Learning Cities since 2016 |
Looking ahead
As a member of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, Kaunas continues to share best practices internationally while investing locally. Its vision is clear: a city where every resident can learn, grow, and contribute to sustainable urban development.
References
- UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning – Kaunas in the Global Network of Learning Cities: https://www.uil.unesco.org/en/learning-cities/kaunas
- Kaunas City Municipality – Education statistics and city development
- Kaunas Universities (KTU, VDU, LSMU) – Student enrolment figures
- Invest Lithuania – IT talent pool in Kaunas
- Lithuanian Department of Statistics – Population data
