UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) was established in 2004 with the primary objective of fostering international cooperation among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic driver for sustainable urban development. As of 2026, the network comprises approximately 400 cities globally, all of which work toward the common goal of placing cultural industries at the heart of their development plans.

Core Objectives and Functional Domains

The UCCN aims to leverage the creative, social, and economic potential of cultural industries to promote UNESCO’s goals of cultural diversity.

Seven Creative Fields of UCCN

The network recognizes excellence and commitment in seven specific creative categories:

1. Crafts and Folk Arts
2. Design
3. Film
4. Gastronomy
5. Literature
6. Media Arts
7. Music

Indian Cities in UCCN: A Comprehensive List

India has a growing presence in the UCCN, with cities representing diverse cultural landscapes. The inclusion is a recognition of the city’s commitment to sharing best practices and developing partnerships to strengthen participation in cultural life.

Detailed Analysis of Key Indian Member Cities

Gwalior: The City of Music

Gwalior’s recognition as a “City of Music” is a tribute to its deep-rooted musical heritage. It is the birthplace of legendary musician Tansen and the cradle of the Gwalior Gharana, one of the oldest and most influential Hindustani classical music schools. The city’s annual Tansen Music Festival is a global attraction that showcases its dedication to the preservation of classical arts.

Kozhikode: The City of Literature

Kozhikode became the first Indian city to be designated as the “City of Literature.” This achievement was supported by the city’s vibrant literary culture, being home to numerous publishing houses, libraries, and the annual Kerala Literature Festival (KLF). The city collaborated with Prague (the first UNESCO City of Literature) to strengthen its bid.

Srinagar: Crafts and Folk Arts

Known for its ancient tradition of Pashmina shawls, wood carving, and Papier-mâché, Srinagar’s inclusion highlighted the role of traditional crafts in providing livelihoods and maintaining the unique cultural identity of the Kashmir Valley.

Governance and Selection Process

The selection for UCCN is a rigorous process involving the Indian Culture Unit and the Ministry of Culture. Cities must submit a comprehensive application demonstrating their past achievements and a four-year action plan detailing how they intend to contribute to the network’s objectives.

Key Selection Criteria

• Cultural Legacy: A documented history of excellence in one of the seven creative fields.
• Sustainable Infrastructure: Existing institutions (museums, festivals, schools) that support the creative sector.
• International Cooperation: Willingness to engage in city-to-city knowledge exchange.
• Inclusive Policy: Development plans that integrate local creators and marginalized communities.

Trivia and Facts for Prelims

• World Cities Day: New additions to the UCCN are typically announced on October 31, which is celebrated as World Cities Day.
• First Indian Cities: Jaipur and Varanasi were the first Indian cities to join the network in 2015.
• Global Context: Prague (Czech Republic) was the first ever city to receive the “City of Literature” tag in 2014.
• City of Architecture: In 2025, UNESCO expanded its urban recognition by creating the “City of Architecture” designation, separate from the UCCN creative fields.
• Monitoring: Member cities must submit a “Membership Monitoring Report” every four years to retain their status and demonstrate progress in their creative field.