New Delhi: UNESCO has announced the inclusion of 58 new cities in its prestigious Creative Cities Network (UCCN), expanding the global collective to 408 member cities across more than 100 nations. The decision, unveiled on October 30 by Director-General Audrey Azoulay, reinforces UNESCO’s ongoing mission to recognize cities that weave culture and creativity into the fabric of sustainable urban life.
Since its inception in 2004, the Creative Cities Network has evolved into one of UNESCO’s most dynamic international platforms, linking urban centers that use art, design, literature, and heritage as engines of development. This year’s expansion marks a new milestone, with Architecture introduced as the Network’s eighth category joining Crafts & Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts and Music.
“Each Creative City stands as proof that culture can be a genuine tool of transformation,” said Azoulay. “By welcoming 58 new members, we are nurturing a global ecosystem where creativity inspires innovation, strengthens communities, and drives inclusive growth.”
A Mosaic of Global Creativity
The 2025 cohort reflects remarkable diversity geographically and artistically. From Kisumu in Kenya, honored for its thriving music culture, to Giza in Egypt, recognized for contributions to film, the list spans continents. In the Americas, New Orleans (USA) joins for Music, while Ecuador celebrates two entries Quito for Architecture and Cuenca for Gastronomy. Europe’s new additions include Rovaniemi (Finland) for Architecture and Aberystwyth (UK) for Literature, while Asia’s representation features Malang (Indonesia) for Media Arts and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) for Design.
Each of these cities has been recognized for innovative urban strategies that place culture at the heart of their growth agendas — proving that creative industries are not luxuries but necessities for modern development.
India’s Strong and Evolving Presence
India continues to hold a significant place within the Network, now represented by eight cities across diverse creative disciplines.
- Jaipur (2015) – Crafts and Folk Art
- Varanasi (2015) – Music
- Chennai (2017) – Music
- Hyderabad (2019) – Gastronomy
- Mumbai (2019) – Film
- Srinagar (2021) – Crafts and Folk Art
- Kozhikode (2023) – Literature
- Gwalior (2023) – Music
Together, these cities reflect India’s immense cultural range from Jaipur’s textile craftsmanship and Varanasi’s ancient raga traditions to Mumbai’s global cinematic pulse and Kozhikode’s literary vibrancy.
Experts believe the introduction of Architecture as a new category could pave the way for Indian contenders like Ahmedabad and Chandigarh.
Ahmedabad, a UNESCO World Heritage City, exemplifies harmony between heritage and modernity, while Chandigarh designed by Le Corbusier remains a model of modern urban planning studied across the world.
Creativity as a Tool for Development
The Creative Cities Network operates on the idea that local action can spark global change. Members are encouraged to design policies that nurture local artists, empower creative entrepreneurs, and foster community engagement. These initiatives also align with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, promoting cultural innovation as a response to urban and social challenges.
From film festivals to culinary tourism, design incubators to public art programs, each city leverages its unique strengths to stimulate local economies and reinforce social cohesion. Membership often brings enhanced visibility, investment, and cross-border collaborations turning cultural capital into tangible economic value.
Looking Ahead
The next UNESCO Creative Cities Annual Conference will take place in Essaouira, Morocco, in 2026 a city celebrated for its deep musical heritage. Delegates will explore the changing dynamics of the creative economy with a focus on how urban design and architecture can foster inclusive, climate-resilient growth.
Cultural policy experts note that this expansion marks a shift from mere heritage preservation to cultural innovation and sustainability. As cities worldwide grapple with climate change, migration, and rapid urbanization, the Creative Cities framework offers a blueprint for building human-centered, resilient futures through the power of imagination.
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