The Unesco created in 2004 a network of cites that known as Unesco Creative Cities Network (UCCN) with aim of promoting cooperation with and among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development.
The network currently has 246 cities which work together towards achieving a common objective: ‘placing creativity and cultural industries at the heart of their development plans at the local level and cooperating actively at the international level’ according to the Unesco.
Doha, the capital city of Qatar, has joined this network and named as a Unesco City of Design, joining the network which highlights the creativity of its members in seven areas: crafts & folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts and music.
This development has came following the recent decision made by the Unesco Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) that granted Learning City Award 2021 to the city of Al Wakra for its outstanding progress in providing lifelong learning opportunities for its over 80,000 inhabitants.
Doha was among 49 cities selected worldwide to join the Unesco creative cities network in recognition of their commitment to placing culture and creativity at the heart of their development and sharing knowledge and good practices.
The UCCN promotes cooperation among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development. Many national bodies and institutions have worked together under the auspices of Qatar Museums to support Qatar towards developing a sustainable infrastructure.
Chairperson of Qatar Museums, H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, said: “Doha is a city of innovation, leading in sustainable design. As a national institution, Qatar Museums is dedicated to nurturing Qatar’s cultural ecosystem through initiatives underpinned by innovation and sustainability.
Being named a City of Design is a great achievement, and one that aligns with the QNV2030 and Qatar Museums’ vision of playing an integral role in the development of an innovative, diverse, progressive nation by fostering the creativity, cultural knowledge and empathy of its people.”
For her part Unesco Director General Audrey Azoulay stressed that “all over the world, each of these cities make culture the pillar, not an accessory, of their strategy.”
UCCN cities work together towards a joint mission: placing creativity and the creative industry at the core of their urban development plans to make cities safe, resilient, inclusive and sustainable, in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Every year, Unesco seeks applications for various cities across the globe for putting them under its UCCN project, making the designated cities tie-ups with craft universities and promotes craft activities.
