Mérida Mayor leads Learning Cities Network of Mexico plenary session

Cecilia Patrón Laviada, the municipal president of Mérida, led the 2026 Annual Plenary Session of the Learning Cities Network of Mexico. The meeting brought together representatives from 14 Mexican municipalities, as well as cities from Peru and Argentina, to share strategies for using education as a tool for social development and inter-municipal cooperation.

Patrón Laviada emphasized that learning should be accessible to all individuals regardless of age, location, or circumstances, stating, “In Mérida we believe that learning is social justice.” The city, which was recognized by UNESCO in 2024 for its commitment to inclusive lifelong learning, is part of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.

To support these goals, the Mérida City Council maintains various educational initiatives, including more than 60 'Centros Aprende', municipal toy libraries, academies, and digital programs designed to reach different neighborhoods and communities.