PARIS -- Nanjing and Suzhou, two cities in East China's Jiangsu Province, joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities in recognition of their outstanding efforts to make lifelong learning a reality for all at the local level, the Paris-based United Nations body announced Wednesday.

UNESCO's GNLC is an international network comprising cities that successfully promote lifelong learning across their communities. The new learning cities were added to the network on the recommendation of a jury of experts.

"Cities are key to transforming the right to education into a tangible reality for individuals of all ages," said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

Nanjing, located along the Yangtze River, capital city of Jiangsu province, plans to extend formal and informal lifelong learning to all citizens by 2035. The strategy of Suzhou, situated to the west of Shanghai, focuses on equitable learning opportunities, balancing urban and rural coverage, and fostering a robust lifelong learning infrastructure for all age groups.