When Josef Konvitz heard about the initiatives in Modi’in at the June 2016 Glasgow Conference, he wanted to see how the Israeli network of learning cities could be developed further, and inspire others. 

Dr. Orna Mager, Director of the city’s multi-disciplinary centre, and her staff, organized an amazing series of meetings.  Modi’in, a city planned by the world-famous architect Moshe Safdie, was founded in 1992. It now has about 100,000 inhabitants and is expected to double in size. Because it is a new city and a planned city, it can do – and must – do things differently.  Mid-way between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, about two-thirds of Modi’in’s population have higher degrees; the average age is only 32. Yet adult education, inclusiveness, and the needs of retired people are among its priorities – and these are key if the city is to generate more SMEs and increase the participation of women in the workforce.

The visit began with a meeting with senior civil servants from national ministries, the co-ordinator of the Israeli Healthy Cities network, and staff from the Federation of Municipal Authorities covering co-operation between the government and the network of learning cities, and between the Israeli network and the worldwide learning-city movement.  Workshops and round-table discussions followed with local officials, and representatives of civil society and business. A site visit to adult classes in Petach Tikva brought us face to face with people with many different needs. Everyone is committed to promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, with the goal of 2030, harnessing the SDG 4 agenda. 

But how?  Josef, Orna and a city councilor spent a half day in Jerusalem, meeting two Members on the education committee of the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, the Speaker of the Knesset, and Eli Cohen, the new Minister of Economy.  Visibility in the crowded policy landscape matters, of course.  The support of the national government means more than money: it empowers municipalities – and civil servants in ministries – to set priorities and goals before and after local elections in 2018. The PASCAL network helps Israel benefit from the experience of others, while demonstrating its own model for learning cities, connecting cities with each other, and with the national government. 

Watch this space. We look forward to hearing from Modi’in about new projects with PASCAL in 2017. And to the participation of Israelis in our conference in South Africa.