IFWF & UNESCO Learning Cities

Learning Cities thrive when residents can access opportunity, navigate economic transitions, and build financial security. Without financial capability, workforce mobility, and inclusive economic systems, lifelong learning cannot translate into real social and economic progress.

IFWF contributes to the Learning Cities ecosystem by designing the economic enablement layer that supports education, skills development, and community growth.

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Why Economic Inclusion Is Essential to Learning Cities

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Lifelong learning is not only an educational goal—it is an economic one.
Residents cannot participate fully in learning opportunities when they face:

• Financial instability or exclusion from banking systems

• Employment barriers and workforce transitions

• Lack of access to savings, credit, or financial guidance

• Structural obstacles faced by immigrants, refugees, and underserved communities

IFWF’s work focuses on these barriers and the systems that create them. We translate research into practical frameworks that help cities build resilient, inclusive, and economically empowered communities.

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What IFWF Contributes to the Learning Cities Ecosystem

Research & Data Infrastructure

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• Economic Integration Research Series

• City-level Financial Wellbeing & Inclusion Indicators

• Immigrant and refugee financial lifecycle mapping

• Workforce readiness and economic resilience metrics

 

Policy & Program Design

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• Evidence-based financial capability frameworks

• Economic inclusion policy toolkits

• Municipal strategy briefs and implementation roadmaps

• Cross-sector program design models

 

 

Talent & Innovation Pipeline

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• IFWF Research & Economist Fellows

• Policy Brief Labs aligned with city challenges

• Signature research projects supporting Learning Cities goals

• Multidisciplinary research teams across economics, sustainability, and social policy

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How IFWF Partners with Learning Cities

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IFWF supports cities, universities, and civic partners through flexible collaboration models:

1. City Research Partner

Diagnostic studies, local data analysis, and policy recommendations tailored to city needs.

2. Economic Inclusion Labs

Pilot programs in collaboration with workforce agencies, libraries, community colleges, and nonprofits.

3. Policy Brief & Indicators Partner

City dashboards, economic inclusion scorecards, and annual financial wellbeing reports.

4. Fellowship Innovation Track

IFWF Fellows conduct applied research projects aligned with Learning Cities priorities.

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Why IFWF Is Uniquely Positioned

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• Global research perspective

• Interdisciplinary fellows and advisors

• Independent, non-political framework

• Systems-focused, evidence-driven approach

• Commitment to equity, access, and long-term impact

IFWF does not operate as a single program. We serve as a research and design platform that strengthens the economic foundations of lifelong learning systems.

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Invitation to Collaborate

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IFWF welcomes collaboration with cities, universities, foundations, and Learning Cities networks seeking to strengthen the economic foundations of lifelong learning.

Together, we can design inclusive, resilient urban systems where education, economic opportunity, and financial wellbeing reinforce one another.