MANILA, PHILIPPINES – On World Cities Day 2025, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay announced the designation of 58 new cities as members of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). These cities were recognized for their dedication to harnessing creativity as a powerful force for sustainable urban development—strengthening local economies, fostering innovation, and enhancing community resilience.
With these new additions, the UCCN now spans 408 cities across more than 100 countries, reinforcing its position as a leading global platform for cultural exchange and creative collaboration. For the first time, the Network has introduced a new field- Architecture joining the existing seven creative fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music.
“By welcoming 58 new cities, we are strengthening a Network where creativity supports local initiatives, attracts investments, and promotes social cohesion,” said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.
Among the newly designated members are Quezon City (Film) and Dumaguete City (Literature) from the Philippines, joining a distinguished roster that spans continents—from Kyiv (Music) and Kuala Lumpur (Design) to New Orleans (Music) and São Paulo (Film). Each city brings its unique creative strengths to the Network, from literary engagement to design innovation and film production.
The 2025 cohort also includes Abuja (Literature), recognized for its dynamic literary infrastructure and initiatives such as the Creative Writers Empowerment Workshop and the Literacy by Radio program. These projects underscore the city’s commitment to promoting literacy, empowering writers, and nurturing a thriving reading culture.
Since its inception in 2004, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network has championed human-centred urban living, showcasing how culture and the creative industries can drive inclusive and sustainable development. The Network encourages cities to leverage their creative assets to foster innovation, cultural participation, and social well-being.
In 2025, this mission takes on renewed significance following the success of MONDIACULT 2025, where countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to culture-led sustainable development. The newly designated cities will contribute to UNESCO’s vision of culture as a global public good, ensuring creativity remains at the heart of urban progress worldwide.
