India’s Gwalior and Kozhikode Emerge as Global Cultural Hubs with UNESCO Recognition. In a significant accomplishment for India, two of its cities, Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh and Kozhikode in Kerala have been inducted into the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). The announcement made official on the UNESCO website, recognizes these cities for their exemplary commitment to integrating culture and creativity into their developmental strategies.
Gwalior, with its rich musical heritage, has been honored in the ‘Music’ category, while Kozhikode, known for its literary contributions, has been acknowledged in the ‘Literature’ category. This global recognition positions these cities as vital cultural hubs, fostering innovation and creativity.
The inclusion of Gwalior and Kozhikode in the UCCN comes as a part of a larger expansion, with a total of 55 new cities from around the world joining the network. These cities have demonstrated innovative practices in urban planning centered around human development, earning them a spot in this prestigious global network.
Celebrated on World Cities Day, this induction marks a significant milestone for the cities, aligning them with UNESCO’s mission to harness creativity for urban resilience and development. The UCCN now boasts 350 cities across more than a hundred countries, representing seven creative fields.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay lauded the cities in the network for their commitment to enhancing access to culture and leveraging creativity to build resilient urban landscapes. An upcoming policy paper is set to highlight the impact of the UCCN at local, national, and international levels, showcasing the network’s role in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The newly designated Creative Cities, including Gwalior and Kozhikode, are invited to partake in the 2024 UCCN Annual Conference in Braga, Portugal, contributing to the global dialogue on urban development and creativity.
With this recognition, Gwalior and Kozhikode have not just put themselves on the global map but have also opened up new avenues for cultural exchange, innovation, and sustainable urban development. This is a proud moment for India as it showcases its rich cultural heritage and creative potential on the world stage.