The Hindu : Page 03
Syllabus : Prelims Fact
Kozhikode became part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) as a “City of Literature” during the 16th annual conference in Braga, Portugal.
- The conference, themed “Bringing youth to the table for the next decade,” features presentations by new members, including Kozhikode, showcasing their cultural heritage and contributions.
About Kozhikode:
- It is located on the Malabar coast of Kerala, and was designated India’s first UNESCO ‘City of Literature’ in October 2023, under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
- Known historically as Calicut, the city has a rich heritage dating back to medieval times when it was ruled by the Samoothiris (Zamorins) and traded spices with Jews, Arabs, Phoenicians, and Chinese.
- Renowned travellers like Ibn Battuta and Vasco da Gama visited its shores.
- Today, Kozhikode boasts over 500 libraries, 70 publishers, and a strong literary education base, earning it the tag of ‘City of Sculptures’ in 2012.
- June 23 has been declared ‘City of Literature’ Day in Kozhikode, celebrating its literary achievements and cultural significance.
Other Indian cities in the UCCN include
1. Jaipur: Crafts and Folk Arts (2015)
2. Varanasi: Creative City of Music (2015)
3. Chennai: Creative City of Music (2017)
4. Mumbai: Film (2019)
5. Hyderabad: Gastronomy (2019)
6. Srinagar: Crafts and Folk Art (2021)
UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN):
UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN): An initiative launched by UNESCO in 2004 to promote cooperation among cities that recognize creativity as a major factor in their sustainable urban development.- Membership Categories: Cities can join the network in various categories such as Literature, Music, Film, Design, Gastronomy, Media Arts, and Crafts & Folk Art.
- Objectives:
o Strengthen international cooperation between cities.
o Promote cultural diversity and sustainable urban development.
o Share best practices and develop partnerships involving the public and private sectors, as well as civil society.
- Current Membership: The network includes 350 cities from around the world, each selected based on their cultural contributions and commitment to placing creativity at the core of their development.
- Annual Conference: Provides a platform for member cities to share knowledge, experiences, and good practices. The 2024 conference in Braga, Portugal, focuses on “Bringing youth to the table for the next decade.”
- Recent Additions: In 2024, Kozhikode (City of Literature) and Gwalior (City of Music) were among the new members integrated into the network.
- Benefits: Member cities gain international visibility, access to UNESCO’s expertise, and opportunities for collaboration and cultural exchange.
