The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced on its official website two days ago the selection of Uzbek Bukhara to host the annual UNESCO Creative Cities Network conference for 2027. This selection coincides with World Cities Day on October 31, a move highlighting the city's cultural and artisanal status, and the role of heritage and creativity in supporting sustainable development and enhancing cultural exchange between cities.
The organization noted that Bukhara joined the Creative Cities Network in 2023 in the field of Crafts and Folk Art. This network, established in 2004, brings together representatives of member cities, officials, experts, and practitioners in the cultural and creative sectors to discuss ways to exchange expertise and resources, and to enhance the role of culture in developing local communities and supporting creative economies.
Bukhara is located on the historic Silk Road and is considered one of the prominent cultural centers in Central Asia. It is renowned for its architectural heritage and ancient traditions in handicrafts, which remain present in its cultural identity, the lives of its residents, and its local economy. The city works to preserve artisanal skills and pass them on to new generations, support local artisans, and enhance cooperation with design institutions, schools, and local organizations.
The Bukhara Biennale for Contemporary Art constitutes one of the manifestations of the interaction between heritage and modern creativity, by combining arts, technology, and cultural exchange. The UNESCO Creative Cities Network currently includes 408 cities working to integrate cultural and creative industries into their development plans. The Moroccan city of Essaouira will host the network's annual conference for 2026, from November 25 to 27, under the theme "Cultural Innovation for Integrated Sustainable Urban Development."
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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