About us
The PASCAL International Observatory (PASCAL) is a global alliance of researchers, policy analysts, civic leaders, and practitioners from government, higher education, NGOs, and the private sector. Together, we advance learning for sustainable and inclusive development, promoting collaboration between cities, regions, and communities worldwide.
Originating from the 2002 OECD Conference on Learning Regions and Cities in Melbourne, PASCAL explores how place, social capital, and lifelong learning drive sustainable economic, social, and cultural renewal. Our work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC), particularly those focused on quality education, sustainable communities, and climate action.
PASCAL operates through five regional hubs hosted by leading universities:
Africa: University of Johannesburg
Australasia: RMIT University
Each hub works with sub-centres and regional partners to address local priorities and share knowledge globally.
Our Learning Cities Network (LCN) connects communities across continents and is structured around seven evolving themes, including sustainability, inclusion, digital learning, community engagement, cultural development, and regional innovation. In addition, three Special Interest Groups (SIGs) bring together members focused on education and research, policy impact, and knowledge exchange partnerships, ensuring that learning translates into tangible action and outcomes.
Through global projects such as R3L+, PURE, EUROlocal, PUMR, and PIE, PASCAL fosters frameworks for collaboration, policy learning, and innovation. We also work closely with the PASCAL International Member Association (PIMA), a network of adult learning professionals dedicated to promoting lifelong and life-wide learning for social, economic, and ecological justice.
Today, PASCAL continues to translate ideas into action, supporting cities and regions to design learning-based strategies that balance economic growth, social inclusion, cultural vitality, and environmental sustainability. Through our global networks, hubs, and thematic initiatives, we champion learning as a catalyst for transformation and resilience in an interconnected world.
Global Influence: Learning Cities Network Impact
The PASCAL Learning Cities Network has, over more than a decade, played a significant and transformative role in shaping cities worldwide through the promotion of lifelong learning as a cornerstone for sustainable development, social inclusion, and economic prosperity. Throughout this time, PASCAL members have actively collaborated with a diverse range of cities—spanning continents and cultures—to design, develop, and implement innovative Learning City Frameworks tailored to the unique needs of each city.
Members of the network have contributed their expertise to urban policymakers, education leaders, researchers, and community organisations to co-create robust lifelong learning strategies. These strategies have often integrated cross-sectoral initiatives involving education systems, local governments, civil society, and businesses, resulting in more equitable, resilient, and adaptive communities.
The impact of this work has been profound and visible. Many cities supported by PASCAL members have not only strengthened the capacity of their education ecosystems but have gone on to achieve international recognition by receiving the prestigious UNESCO Learning City Award. This award acknowledges cities that demonstrate outstanding commitment to lifelong learning policies and practices, reflecting the highest standards of innovation, collaboration, and measurable progress in their learning agendas.
The PASCAL Learning City Network has facilitated knowledge exchange through numerous international conferences, thematic webinars, policy briefings, and comparative research and educational activities. The network has, to date, provided city-to-city and region-to-region dialogue platforms, enabling learning from diverse experiences and challenges, such as social cohesion, environmental sustainability, economic inclusion, and digital literacy.
By aligning its work with key global agendas such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the network has leveraged learning as a vital mechanism for achieving inclusive urban development. PASCAL’s holistic approach has bridged gaps between academic research and practical policymaking, creating lasting partnerships between local governments, universities, NGOs, and private sector innovators for real-word change at the local, national and global levels.
