“By welcoming 58 new cities, we are strengthening a Network where creativity supports local initiatives, attracts investment and promotes social cohesion,” said Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General.
For the first time, Architecture has been added as a distinct category. Cities such as Quito (Ecuador), Rovaniemi (Finland), Lusail (Qatar), Bistrita (Romania), and Kashan (Iran) earned the new title for their innovative approaches to urban planning, cultural preservation, and design-led development.
The 2025 cohort reflects an expansive range of creative disciplines and geographies. Kisumu (Kenya) and New Orleans (United States) were recognized for their vibrant music industries, while Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) was honored for Design and Matosinhos (Portugal) for Gastronomy. Other new designees include Giza (Egypt) for Film, Cuenca (Ecuador) for Gastronomy, Malang (Indonesia) for Media Arts, and Aberystwyth (United Kingdom) for Literature.
Each city demonstrates how culture can be a driver of local development, generating both economic dynamism and social cohesion through creative industries.
Launched in 2004, the UCCN aims to strengthen cities that leverage creativity for sustainable development. By promoting cultural participation, skills training, and creative entrepreneurship, member cities foster innovation while contributing to global goals such as the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Notably, Abuja (Nigeria) was named a Creative City of Literature for its community-led literacy programs and creative writing workshops, while São Paulo (Brazil) continues to strengthen diversity in film and audiovisual production through its Affirmative Network of Cinema and Audiovisual Professionals.
UNESCO Creative Cities will gather in Essaouira, Morocco, in 2026 for the next annual conference. The meeting will further the Network’s mission to position culture as a global public good—a commitment reaffirmed during the MONDIACULT 2025 Conference.
“Culture and creative industries are concrete drivers of development,” Azoulay said. “They help cities shape sustainable futures through innovation, inclusion, and imagination.”
For a full list of Creative Cities and their designated categories, visit UNESCO Creative Cities Network 2025.
