Introduction

In a significant recognition of their dedication to culture and creativity, the Indian cities of Gwalior and Kozhikode have joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). The UNESCO Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, designated 55 new cities on World Cities Day, praising their commitment to harnessing culture and innovation in their development strategies. Gwalior earned its place in the ‘Music’ category, while Kozhikode was acknowledged in the ‘Literature’ category. This achievement reflects India’s cultural diversity and its strong embrace of the arts.

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network is an initiative that celebrates and supports cities that have placed culture and creativity at the heart of their urban development. These cities have exhibited innovative practices in human-centered urban planning, contributing to the enrichment of their communities and the promotion of culture on a global scale. The network was established to recognise the pivotal role that culture plays in fostering urban resilience and development.

The New Additions

Gwalior, a city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, has found its place in the ‘Music’ category. Known for its rich musical heritage, Gwalior’s inclusion in this category is the result of its historical and contemporary contributions to the world of music.

Kozhikode, located in the southern Indian state of Kerala, has been designated in the ‘Literature’ category. This recognition acknowledges the city’s literary heritage, which has played a vital role in India’s cultural tradition.

A Global Network

With the addition of these 55 cities, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network now boasts 350 cities in over a hundred countries. These cities represent seven creative fields, which include Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music. This diverse representation highlights the global impact of culture and creativity on urban development.

The UNESCO Director-General’s Perspective

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay praised the cities in the Creative Cities Network for their pioneering efforts in enhancing access to culture and fostering creativity for urban resilience and development. She emphasised the role these cities play in achieving the 2030 Agenda and their contribution to the global dialogue on culture and creativity.

The Future of the Creative Cities Network

As the network continues to expand, an upcoming policy paper titled “The added value of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network at local, national, and international levels” will showcase the significant role that cities play in shaping the world’s cultural landscape. The paper will also highlight UNESCO’s support for UCCN members through dialogue, peer-to-peer learning, and collaboration.

Participation in the 2024 UCCN Annual Conference

The newly designated Creative Cities are invited to participate in the 2024 UCCN Annual Conference, scheduled to take place in Braga, Portugal, from July 1 to 5, 2024. The conference theme, “Bringing Youth to the table for the next decade,” underscores the importance of involving the younger generation in cultural development and urban planning.

Gwalior and Kozhikode’s inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network explores India’s rich cultural heritage and commitment to nurturing creativity. These cities join a global network of urban centres dedicated to harnessing culture for the betterment of their communities and the world at large. The recognition of these cities highlights the power of culture in shaping the future of urban development.

Hoysala Temples in Karnataka listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site