UNESCO Adds Gwalior and Kozhikode to Creative Cities Network

Gwalior and Kozhikode, recognized for their rich cultural heritage in music and literature, have been added to UNESCO's Creative Cities Network (UCCN). This blog explores the significance of this inclusion, shedding light on UNESCO's Creative Cities Network and the cultural contributions of these Indian cities.

Inclusion of Gwalior and Kozhikode:

1. Kozhikode - City of Literature:
   • Hosts the annual Kerala Literature Festival and various book festivals.
   • Collaboration with Charles University in Prague to attain the 'City of Literature' tag.
   • Prague, the first 'City of Literature' by UNESCO (2014), serves as an inspiration.
2. Gwalior - City of Music:
   • Birthplace of legendary musician Tansen.
   • Enriched musical heritage, including classical Hindustani music and folk music.
   • Home to the renowned Gwalior Gharana, one of the oldest Hindustani musical Gharanas.

UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN):

1. Formation and Objectives:
   • Established in 2004 to foster cooperation among cities emphasizing creativity for sustainable urban development.
   • Encompasses 350 cities in over a hundred countries across seven creative fields.
   • Aims to leverage cultural industries' potential for economic, social, and creative development.
2. Importance of Creative Cities:
   • Addresses challenges like economic crises, environmental impacts, and social tensions.
   • Promotes culture and creativity as driving forces for innovation, growth, and social cohesion.
   • Provides a platform for cities to respond to contemporary issues through creative solutions.

Latest Developments:

1. Newly Designated Creative Cities:
   • UNESCO added 55 new cities, including Bukhara, Casablanca, Chongqing, Kathmandu, Rio de Janeiro, and Ulaanbaatar, across various creative fields.
   • The UCCN now comprises 350 cities representing crafts, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts, and music.
2. Annual Conference in Braga, Portugal:
   • Newly designated cities invited to the UCCN Annual Conference in 2024 in Braga, Portugal.
   • Theme: 'Bringing Youth to the Table for the Next Decade.'

Conclusion: Gwalior and Kozhikode's inclusion in UNESCO's Creative Cities Network not only recognizes their cultural richness but also positions them as key contributors to the global creative landscape. This acknowledgment opens avenues for cultural exchange and collaborative initiatives, aligning with UNESCO's mission to promote international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication, and information.