On 23 and 24 June, the XVIIth edition of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) Annual Conference took place in collaboration with Enghien-les-Bains, a Creative City of Media Arts since 2013. More than 500 delegates from around 200 member cities gathered to exchange good practices and explore innovative partnerships under the theme “Culture and Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of UNESCO Creative Cities”. ”.
These two days were marked by dynamic discussions, insightful presentations, and future-oriented collaboration. Key highlights of the Conference include the Thematic Session, the Mayors’ Forum, and the Creative Cities Fair.
1. Harnessing AI for Creative and Sustainable Urban Futures
Phiên họp chuyên đề The Thematic Session, titled “Integrating AI into Creative Sectors for Sustainable Urban Development”, served as a vibrant platform for cross-sector knowledge exchange. It showcased how member cities are leveraging AI to foster cultural innovation, promote inclusivity, and support sustainable urban transformation.
2. Discussing MONDIACULT 2025 and AI-centered Cultural Policies at a High-Level
One year after endorsing the Braga Manifesto and marking their commitment to supporting culture as a standalone development goal in the post-2030 international development agenda, mayors from Creative Cities across the globe reconvened to reflect on their collective progress and outline strategic steps for the years ahead. The Mayors’ Forum adopted an interactive format, with real-time quizzes and live analysis, enabling a dynamic and participatory environment. This setup encouraged mayors to further share their reflections and visions for integrating AI into local and global cultural ecosystems. Their contributions underscored a shared commitment to harnessing technology to strengthen cultural participation, social cohesion, and international solidarity.
3. Bolstering International Partnerships in the Cultural and Creative Sectors
This year, the UCCN introduced a new segment to the Conference. The Creative Cities Fair, aimed at deepening international cooperation and inspiring new cross-sector collaborations. The Fair featured two main components: the Partnership Hub, a networking space for cities to connect and discuss potential joint initiatives; and the Showcase Stage, a platform where selected cities shared their creative projects and extended invitations for collaboration.
Notably initiatives include Wellington and Galway’s 2025 Indigenous Animation Exchange: Gaelige / Te Reo Maori, Modena and Karlsruhe with their City of Trees digital platform, and Taif with their Short Story Initiative, and many more. These initiatives sparked meaningful conversations and laid the foundation for new global partnerships rooted in cultural creativity and innovation.
4. Looking ahead: XVIII UCCN Annual Conference
To conclude the XVII Annual Conference, Mr. Ernesto Ottone R., Assistant Director-General for Culture at UNESCO, announced the designation of Essaouira, Morocco, as the Host City for the XVIII UCCN Annual Conference, to be held in 2026. Following an online vote by Creative Cities, Essaouira collected the highest number of votes among its fellow candidate cities.
During this dedicated session, Mr Tarik Ottmani, Mayor of Essaouira, expressed his city’s enthusiasm and readiness to welcome the global UNESCO Creative Cities community, while reaffirming its commitment to fostering cultural exchange.
UNESCO, supported by its Creative Cities worldwide, look forward to carrying on the momentum built over these two inspiring days, igniting innovation, inclusiveness, and sustainability through culture, until we meet again next year in Essaouira!
5. Some pictures at the Conference
