VietNam
On the occasion of World Cities Day, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has announced that 55 cities, including Vietnam’s Hoi An and Da Lat, have joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). This addition brings the total number of cities in the network to an impressive 350, spanning over 100 countries across the globe, and covering seven creative fields.
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A Commitment to Creativity and Culture
The cities that have been welcomed into the UCCN fold have been recognized for their commitment to promoting culture and creativity as vital components of their development strategies. They have also been acknowledged for their innovative approaches to human-centered urban planning. The creative fields that form the pillars of the UCCN include Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music.
By joining this network, these cities will have the opportunity to cooperate with other members, to learn from their experiences, and to harness the power of creativity for urban recovery and development. The objective is to strengthen their resilience against evolving threats such as climate change, rising inequality, and rapid urbanization.
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Networking for Resilience and Development
Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General, underscored the leading role played by the cities in the network in enhancing access to culture and leveraging creativity for urban resilience and development. She also highlighted an upcoming policy paper titled “The added value of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network at local, national, and international levels”. This paper will outline the ways in which cities contribute to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and how UNESCO supports UCCN members through dialogue, peer-to-peer learning, and collaboration.
The newly-designated cities are invited to participate in the 2024 UCCN Annual Conference in Braga, Portugal, which will operate under the theme “Bringing Youth to the table for the next decade.” This conference will provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences among cities and will further support the network’s mission of fostering creativity, sustainability, and cultural diversity.
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Spotlight on Hoi An and Da Lat
Hoi An and Da Lat, the two cities from Vietnam that have joined the UCCN, have been recognized for their contributions to the fields of crafts and folk arts and music, respectively. These cities are part of the Project to develop a system of creative cities in Vietnam under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, approved by the Prime Minister. The ultimate goal of this project is to have 4-6 Vietnamese cities recognized as UNESCO Creative Cities by 2030.
The recognition of Hoi An and Da Lat as UNESCO Creative Cities is not just an honor, but also a responsibility. For Hoi An, the designation provides an opportunity to promote the development of traditional crafts and arts, such as carpentry, pottery, and lantern making, while maintaining a focus on sustainable development and environmental criteria. Da Lat, on the other hand, sees the recognition as a chance to showcase its potential in the field of music and to use cultural industries as a means of promoting international integration, sustainable urban development, and social cohesion.
By joining the UCCN, these cities will have access to a wealth of knowledge and experiences from other member cities, particularly those that are leaders in the fields of smart cities, creativity, and digital transformation. This exchange of ideas and best practices will enable Hoi An and Da Lat to develop sustainably and improve the quality of life for their residents.
As the world continues to face various challenges, such as climate change and inequality, the UCCN serves as a platform for cities to come together, share their experiences, and find creative solutions for a better future.
Cre: bnn.network
Photo: Visit Hoi An
