116 cities, 54 countries, mayors and delegations from every continent: from 30 June through 2 July, the French city of Enghien-les-Bains will host the XIth meeting of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
Today 116 cities in 54 countries make up the Creative Cities Network that UNESCO launched in 2004. At the heart of the initiative lies a solid fact: more than half of the world's population now lives in cities – cities that generate the bulk of economic activity. This trend is expected to continue; estimates indicate that by 2050, the urban population will represent 70 percent of the 9.5 billion global inhabitants.
Covering seven creative fields (Crafts and Folk Arts, Media Arts, Film, Design, Gastronomy, Literature and Music), the Network aims to stimulate and strengthen cooperation, sharing and exchange of good practice between cities that recognize culture and the creative industries as motors for development. During three days in Enghien-les-Bains, mayors, delegates and experts will share their experiences during plenary sessions and thematic workshops. This will also be an opportunity to strengthen the links between them.
"Cities are at the forefront of international efforts for peace and sustainable development", declared Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO. "This Network seeks to expand and capitalize on the best of what cities offer: their experience in cultural co-operation; their innovation; and their transformative power" she added.
The Network is based on the idea that cities inspire and enrich one another and place their common experience in the service of sustainable development. The UNESCO Creative Cities are also key actors in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations. The meeting in Enghien-les-Bains will be an occasion to recall that commitment.
Creative City of Media Arts since 2013, Enghien-les-Bains is interested in how digital technologies can positively impact the ecosystem of cities, especially their public spaces. It has also developed partnerships in the field of digital arts through the Digital Arts Network (RAN), which includes some forty international members and strengthens cooperation with Africa, Canada, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia.
In parallel to the work carried out during the meeting, Enghien-les-Bains has planned an ambitious artistic program called “Data Cities” that will allow the public to discover the strength of the Network and its seven creative fields through exhibitions, interactive presentations and concerts held across the city and the banks of its lake.
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For more information : http://en.unesco.org/creative-cities/
Contact : Lucía Iglesias Kuntz, UNESCO Press Service + 33 (0) 1 45681702