In news- Recently, Srinagar has been added to UNESCO creative cities network(UCCN).
Key highlights-
- The 49 cities were added to the network of 246 cities in recognition of “their commitment to placing culture and creativity at the heart of their development and to sharing knowledge and good practices.
- Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO (INCCU) had recommended Srinagar and Gwalior for inclusion in the coveted list.
About UNESCO creative cities network(UCCN)-
- UCCN was created in 2004 to promote cooperation with and among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development.
- This network works together towards 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.
- The network now numbers 295 cities reaching 90 countries.
- By joining the Network, cities commit to sharing their best practices and developing partnerships involving the public and private sectors as well as civil society in order to:
- Strengthen the creation, production, distribution and dissemination of cultural activities, goods and services.
- Develop hubs of creativity and innovation and broaden opportunities for creators and professionals in the cultural sector.
- Improve access to and participation in cultural life, in particular for marginalized or vulnerable groups and individuals.
- Fully integrate culture and creativity into sustainable development plans.
- The Network covers seven creative fields: Crafts and Folk Arts, Media Arts, Film, Design, Gastronomy, Literature and Music.
- The Creative Cities Network is a privileged partner of UNESCO.
Other Indian cities on UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)-
- In 2019 UNESCO designated Mumbai as a member in the field of FILM and Hyderabad in the field of GASTRONOMY.
- Jaipur-Crafts and Folk Arts(2015).
- Varanasi-Creative city of Music (2015).
- Chennai-Creative city of Music(2017).
About Srinagar-
- It is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.
- It lies in the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum River (which is called Vyath in Kashmir), a tributary of the Indus.
- The river passes through the city and meanders through the valley, moving onward and deepening in the Wular Lake.
- The city is known for its natural environment, gardens, waterfronts and houseboats.
- It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts like Kashmir shawls and also dried fruits.
The earliest records, such as Kalhana’s Rajatarangini, mentions the Sanskrit name shri-nagara which have been interpreted distinctively by scholars.
https://journalsofindia.com/unesco-has-designated-mumbai-hyderabad-unesco-creative-cities-network/
Source: Hindustan Times
