Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has etched its name in the annals of artistic excellence by securing the prestigious title of UNESCO Creative City of Films. This accolade, joining a distinguished club of 350 cities from over 100 countries, signals a transformative moment for Kathmandu’s creative and cultural panorama.
UNESCO CREATIVE CITIES NETWORK: FOSTERING GLOBAL COLLABORATION
Launched in 2004, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) serves as a platform for international cooperation, uniting cities worldwide that leverage culture and creativity for sustainable urban development. Kathmandu’s entry into this network not only celebrates its cultural heritage but also opens doors for investment in the city’s burgeoning creative industries.
THE JOURNEY TO UNESCO RECOGNITION
Selecting film as the creative field of choice was the first hurdle for KMC and the UNESCO Office in Kathmandu. Extensive workshops, discussions, and meetings ensued, involving meticulous deliberation with stakeholders. The result is a triumph that brings joy to Kathmandu’s artistic community and positions the city on the global creative map.
CATALYST FOR DEVELOPMENT: UNESCO CREATIVE CITY DESIGNATION
As a newly designated UNESCO Creative City, KMC commits to supporting research, revitalizing infrastructure, promoting local arts, and initiating policy dialogues for cultural and creative industry development. The international recognition serves as an incentive for stakeholders to invest in Kathmandu’s creative landscape, aligning with UNESCO’s sustainable development goals.
A 4-YEAR ACTION PLAN AND BUDGET ALLOCATION
Part of the application process involved presenting a 4-year action plan to the selection committee. With success in securing the designation, KMC allocates a section of its annual budget for the next four years to execute proposed activities, solidifying Kathmandu’s status as a Creative City of Film.
UNESCO REPRESENTATIVE’S PERSPECTIVE
Michael Croft, UNESCO Representative to Nepal, emphasizes the significance of the designation. He sees it as a celebration of Kathmandu’s cultural heritage and a catalyst for promoting creative industries, job creation, and fostering the local creative economy. Culture, at the heart of development, becomes a driving force for both pride and prosperity.
A SPRINGBOARD FOR CULTURAL RENAISSANCE
Beyond a mere badge, the UNESCO Creative City status serves as a springboard for Kathmandu’s vibrant cultural renaissance. It invites the world to witness the magic of the city’s cinematic and artistic prowess, showcasing a facet of Nepal beyond its mountainous pursuits.
UNESCO’S KEY STRATEGY IN NEPAL: CULTURE AT THE HEART OF DEVELOPMENT
UNESCO’s strategy in Nepal revolves around placing culture at the heart of development. Recognizing the country’s cultural diversity, the integration of youth-driven cultural and creative industries becomes a catalyst for sustainable development.
As Kathmandu embarks on this transformative journey, the UNESCO Creative City of Films status becomes a beacon guiding the city towards a future where creative energy fuels cultural pride and economic prosperity.
OTHER CITIES DESIGNATED AS CREATIVE CITIES
Hoi An: Crafts and Folk Art
Iasi: Literature
Iloilo City: Gastronomy
Ipoh: Music
Kozhikode: Literature
Kutaisi: Literature
Bukhara: Crafts and Folk Art
Casablanca: Media Arts
Chongqing: Design
Rio de Janeiro: Literature
Ulaanbaatar: Crafts and Folk Art
WHICH CITIES ARE IN THE UNESCO NETWORK OF CREATIVE CITIES IN INDIA?
As of November 2019, five Indian cities were in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN):
Jaipur: Crafts and Folk Arts (2015)
Varanasi: Creative city of Music (2015)
Chennai: Creative city of Music (2017)
Mumbai: Film (2019)
Hyderabad: Gastronomy (2019)
In November 2023, UNESCO added two more Indian cities to the UCCN:
Gwalior: Music category
Kozhikode: Literature category
