PASCAL developed the EcCoWell concept in 2012 as an approach to holistic and integrated development in learning cities. Whilst the concept integrates environment, health and well-being, economy, and community with lifelong learning, the core of EcCoWell development up to now has focussed on the integration of health, learning, and environment with community building. The cities of Cork and Taipei have been leaders in applying EcCoWell concepts in their development.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with their plea for integrated development of the Goals, and the recent UNESCO Third International Conference on Learning cities held in Cork in September this year have given a new significance to the EcCoWell concept.

The Cork Call for Action included a concept of Green Healthy Learning Cities (reflecting the EcCoWell core strands) as a basis for learning city development that was inclusive and equitable, and which fostered entrepreneurship and decent work.

Concepts such as EcCoWell need to be adapted to changing conditions. A review has been undertaken for the PASCAL Board; the report of the review, Rethinking EcCoWell, is available on the PASCAL web site, and recommends implementing an extended concept of EcCoWell as a suitable entry point for implementing the UN SDGs on an evolutionary basis. The rationale is given in the Rethinking EcCoWell report.

Full Briefing Paper follows in English, Simplified Chinese* and Korean**.

*Special thanks to Yiqiao Li and Meiyun Duan of the School of Education, University of Glasgow

** Special thanks to YunAh Park of the School of Education, University of Glasgow