PARIS, Broadcasting News Corporation : Saturday, 77 cities from 44 countries join the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) in recognition of their outstanding efforts to make lifelong learning a reality for all at the local level. ”With more than half of humanity living in urban areas, cities have the power to drive lifelong learning policies by implementing and supporting local initiatives and bring bottom-up change. The newly admitted UNESCO learning cities have a wealth of expertise and commitment to ensuring that the right to education becomes a reality for people of all ages,” UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. The new UNESCO learning cities were added to the network following their nomination by the National Commissions for UNESCO in the concerned countries and the recommendations of a jury of experts. A strong commitment to lifelong learning by the mayor and city administration and a track record of good practices and policy initiatives are key prerequisites for becoming a learning city. The 77 new members bring the total number of cities within the UNESCO GNLC to 294 in 76 countries. The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities is an international network consisting of cities that successfully promote lifelong learning across their communities and share inspiration, know-how and best practice among each other. NEWS COLLECTED FROM EMIRATES NEWS AGENCY – WAM.