The UNESCO Creative Cities Network was established in 2004 to promote international cooperation within and among the cities around the world that use culture and creativity as strategic elements for sustainable urban development.
Bringing together cities with different geographical, demographic, economic, social, cultural and environmental conditions from all regions, the network functions in direction with a common mission. In line with the UNESCO Creative Cities Network-2025 Call for Applications, it is aimed to place culture and creativity at the center of urban development plans in order to make cities safe, resilient, inclusive, sustainable and ready for the future. In this context, it is aimed to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable in direction with United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, especially with SDG11, and concrete contributions are made. The network also reveals the central role of cities in sustainable development in line with UNESCO’s priorities in the field of culture, and emphasizes the importance of the local dimension in this process. A city must demonstrate its potential contribution to the overall vision and objectives of the Network, as well as its commitment to UNESCO’s mandates and priorities, including the promotion of cooperation, solidarity and dialogue at all levels, and the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Creative Cities Network includes eight themes determined as “literature,” “film,” “music,” “craft and folk arts,” “gastronomy,” “design,” “media arts” and “architecture.”
By joining the Network; cities commit to working for the sharing of good practices, the promotion of cultural interaction and participation in cultural life in sustainable development plans, and the development of cooperation.
For the 2025 Term Applications, candidate cities must submit their applications to UNESCO by 31 January 2025 at the latest, using the online application form through the online application platform on the relevant website. In order to gain access to the platform, it is necessary to pre-register by filling out the access request form in the application guide.
You can find detailed information about the call here.