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North West educational partnership formalised
ATU has joined partners from across the North West to formalise the North West Learning City Region, reinforcing a shared commitment to lifelong learning and cross-border collaboration.
The North West Learning City Region, an educational partnership between civic institutions and the further and higher education sector in the North West, has reached a significant milestone as it formalises its shared commitment to advancing lifelong learning in the region.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed at an event on Friday 26 June 2026 at Ulster University’s Derry~Londonderry Campus, bringing together key partners in the North West Learning City Region.
The partnership builds on the existing Derry City and Strabane Learning City designation, part of UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC), and establishes a clear framework for improved access to learning, skills development, and enhanced social and economic outcomes across the North West.
This formal partnership follows the successful relaunch of the North West Learning City Region and Lifelong Learning Festival held in March 2026, reinforcing the collective ambition of institutions across the region to creating a culture of continuous learning and opportunity for all.
The event featured the formal MOU signing, with contributions from partners and community voices, who shared insights on the benefits of a collaborative, region-wide approach to lifelong learning.
Ulster University Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Seawright said:
“Ulster University is deeply committed to playing a leading role in the educational, cultural and social life of the communities we operate in. That commitment is clearly reflected in the North West Learning City Region initiative. Today, we witnessed the next important milestone in this journey which formalises our collective commitment to advancing lifelong learning across the North West region.”
Derry City and Strabane District Council, Mayor Cllr Grace Uí Niallais said:
“This MOU marks a significant milestone in our shared ambition to create a North West Learning City Region that places lifelong learning at the heart of our social, economic and community development.
This partnership reflects our shared belief that learning should be accessible to everyone and builds on our successful cross-border collaboration to create new opportunities for people of all ages to learn and reach their full potential.
“I want to thank our partners in Donegal County Council, Atlantic Technological University, Donegal Education and Training Board, North West Regional College and Ulster University for their leadership and vision to lead us to this point.”
Donegal County Council, Cathaoirleach Cllr Paul Canning said:
“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding marks an important step forward for our region as we align with the values of UNESCO Learning Cities—placing lifelong learning at the heart of sustainable development, inclusion, and opportunity. By working together across sectors and communities, we are strengthening our shared vision of a region where everyone has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive throughout their lives.”
Photo caption: Pictured (back row, left to right) are Professor Paul Seawright, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Ulster University; Dr Catherine O’Mullan, Director of Curriculum and Academic Standards, North West Regional College (NWRC); Paul Hannigan, Vice President for Cross Border Engagement and Head of College, Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Donegal; and Anne McHugh, Chief Executive, Donegal ETB; with (front row, left to right) Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Paul Canning, and Grace Uí Niallais, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council.
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