Content area
Full text
This paper discusses a new generation of learning cities we have called EcCoWell cities (Economy, Community, Well-being). The paper was prepared for the PASCAL International Exchanges (PIE) and is based on international experiences with PIE and developments in some cities. The paper argues for more holistic and integrated development so that initiatives such as Learning Cities, Healthy Cities and Green Cities are more connected with value-added outcomes. This is particularly important with the surge of international interest in environment and Green City development so that the need exists to redefine what lifelong learning and learning city strategies can contribute. The paper draws out the implications for adult education in the Australian context. We hope it will generate discussion.
Introduction
The UN Rio+20 Summit held in June 2012 reminds us of the critical importance of addressing the great environmental issues to ensure the future of Planet Earth. At the same time, escalating urbanisation around the world points to the challenge of building cities that are just and inclusive, and where opportunities are available for all throughout life, and where the well-being of all is an aspiration that is actively addressed in city development.
This challenge is widely recognised. The World Bank in its ECO2 Cities initiative has observed that '[u]rbanisation in developing countries is a defining feature of the 21st century' (World Bank 2011). Cities almost everywhere face the triple challenges of urbanisation, sustainability and social justice.
The challenge of these big issues for city development clearly requires new paradigms to guide development, and innovative forms of partnership where all stakeholders are united for joint action for mutual benefit. However, the scene around the world continues to be characterised by segmented silo development, with few signs of integrated connected strategies that bring all stakeholders together in partnerships, including non-traditional partnerships, to achieve value added outcomes and benefits for all.
In this context, this paper comments on the roles of Learning Cities, Healthy Cities and Green Cities, and asserts that much could be achieved by addressing the big issues confronting towns and cities through a convergence of these concepts to support a more holistic and integrated development in what I have called Sustainable Opportunity Cities. While there is much discussion of town planning, environmental, and...