XVII UNESCO Creative Cities Network Annual Conference in Enghien-les-Bains
On June 23 and 24, the member cities of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network will gather for the second time in Enghien-les-Bains (France) for the XVII Annual Conference of the Network. This event will bring around 350 deleguations from more than 100 countries to the city.
Themed Culture and Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of UNESCO Creative Cities, representatives from Creative Cities around the world will explore innovative ways to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) with culture development, while fostering sustainable urban growth. This year’s discussions will help to shape outcomes for the upcoming MONDIACULT 2025, reinforcing the call for culture to be recognized as a standalone goal in the post-2030 agenda for sustainable development.
Building on the momentum from the 2024 UCCN Annual Conference in Braga, Portugal, the 2025 Annual Conference will continue the work set forth by the UNESCO Creative Cities Braga Manifesto: A Culture Goal for Sustainable Development. This Manifesto, endorsed by Mayors of Creative Cities, calls for unified global efforts to enshrine culture as an independent goal within the international development agenda.. It highlights the crucial role of cities in driving innovative cultural policies and integrating culture as a central pillar of future urban development strategies.
Over the course of the two days, key sessions will focus on AI and cultural collaboration in Creative Cities. The Open Discussion on AI in Creative Cities will highlight city-led initiatives. Meanwhile, the Creative Cities Fair will facilitate city-to-city exchanges focused on cultural innovation, helping to foster new partnerships and collaborative projects. The Conference will also play a key role in shaping the Network’s strategic direction, with the presentation of the Action Plan – a roadmap developed in response to the Division of Internal Oversight Services (IOS) evaluation of the UCCN, outlining priorities to enhance the Network’s global impact.
Beyond discussions, the Conference will feature side activities that illustrate AI’s transformative potential in culture, demonstrating how technology can enhance cultural life, audience engagement, and creativity in all its forms.
The XVII UCCN Annual Conference is more than a gathering – it is a forward-looking event that positions the Network as a front-runner in innovation. By harnessing AI for the common good, the Network aims to optimize its benefits while mitigating potential challenges, ensuring that Creative Cities remain at the forefront of cultural and technological evolution. This Conference is an opportunity for Creative Cities to come together, share insights, and advocate for the transformative potential of culture and innovation in creating sustainable, progressive urban environments.
