UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN)

04 Nov UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN)

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “ UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN)”. This topic has relevance in the Human Development section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

GS 2: Human Development

Why in the news?

Kozhikode, Gwalior added to Unesco ‘creative cities’ for literature, music

About UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN): 

• The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) was established in 2004 to promote collaboration among cities that prioritize creativity as a strategic element for sustainable urban development. This global network includes 350 cities spanning over a hundred countries.
• The UCCN aligns with UNESCO’s goals of promoting cultural diversity and strengthening urban resilience in the face of challenges like climate change, inequality, and rapid urbanization.

 

Aim and Objectives:

• The UCCN focuses on harnessing the creative, social, and economic potential of cultural industries to drive urban development.
• It encourages a culture of creativity in urban planning and seeks innovative solutions to urban challenges.
• Member cities are encouraged to recognize creativity as a fundamental aspect of urban development, forging partnerships that involve the public and private sectors as well as civil society.
• The UCCN aims to create hubs of creativity and innovation, expanding opportunities for professionals in the cultural sector and contributing to the UN’s sustainable development agenda.

Areas of Action:

• The objectives of the UCCN are implemented at both the city level and the international level. This involves sharing experiences, knowledge, and best practices. Activities include professional and artistic exchange programs, research, and evaluations of the experiences of creative cities.

 

Annual Conference of Network Cities:

• A highlight of the UCCN is the annual conference, where mayors and other stakeholders from network cities gather. This event provides a unique opportunity to strengthen ties between creative cities worldwide. 
• The previous conference was held in Santos, Brazil, while the most recent was in Istanbul. The upcoming conference is scheduled for July 2024 in Braga, Portugal.

 

Responsibilities of Member Cities:

• Member cities within the UCCN are required to submit a Membership Monitoring Report every four years. These reports demonstrate their commitment to implementing the UCCN Mission Statement. They present an action plan for the following four years, highlighting achievements, lessons learned, and the impact of the UCCN designation.

 

Indian Cities in the Network:

• Several Indian cities have joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, including Kozhikode, Gwalior, Varanasi (music), Srinagar (crafts and folk arts), and Chennai (music). 
• These cities are actively contributing to the network’s objectives and leveraging their cultural richness for sustainable urban development.

 

Kozhikode’s Literary Tradition:

• Kozhikode, a city in India, has a rich literary heritage, with notable contributions such as the first Malayalam novel, Kundalatha, authored by Appu Nedungadi in 1887.
• The city has produced renowned writers and cultural figures, as well as professionals in the film and theater industry, strengthening its position within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

 

UNESCO

• UNESCO, which stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is a specialized agency within the United Nations (UN) system. 
• Established with a constitution that came into force in 1946, UNESCO has played a pivotal role in promoting international collaboration in the field of education, science, and culture.
• Headquartered in Paris, France, it operates under the purview of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. 
• UNESCO’s fundamental goals revolve around fostering peace, security, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue.

 

Key Areas of Focus:

• Education: UNESCO places a strong emphasis on advocating for quality education accessible to all. Its efforts encompass facilitating access to education, enhancing teacher training, and promoting global citizenship.
• Natural Sciences: The organization supports scientific research and the application of science to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development.
• Culture: UNESCO is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, including monuments, sites, traditions, and languages. It also champions cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue.
• Communication and Information: UNESCO actively promotes freedom of expression, the development of media, and access to information. It strives to create a free, independent, and pluralistic media environment.
• World Heritage Sites: One of UNESCO’s notable responsibilities is the designation and maintenance of a list of World Heritage Sites. These sites are recognized as having outstanding universal value and are protected for future generations.

 

Key UNESCO Reports:

• Global Education Monitoring Report
• The United Nations World Water Development Report
• World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development
• Global Ocean Science Report

SOURCE:Kozhikode, Gwalior added to Unesco ‘creative cities’ for literature, music (msn.com)

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Q.1 Which of the following statements regarding UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN) is/are correct?

1. UCCN was established to promote creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development.
2. Member cities within UCCN are not required to submit periodic reports demonstrating their commitment to its mission.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Check Answer

 

Q.2 Consider the following reports:

1. Global Education Monitoring Report
2. The United Nations World Water Development Report
3. World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development
4. Global Ocean Science Report

How many of the above reports are published by UNESCO?

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) Only three 

(d) All four

Check Answer

 

Q.3 Discuss the significance of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in promoting sustainable urban development and cultural diversity. Provide examples of Indian cities in the network and their contributions to this global initiative.