Recently, Lucknow has officially joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) under the Gastronomy category during the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference.

About UNESCO's Creative Cities Network

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) is a global initiative launched in 2004 that promotes cooperation among cities that identify creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development. The network includes over 400 cities from more than 100 countries, working together to place creativity and cultural industries at the heart of their local development plans. 
 
Key Aspects of the UCCN

• Mission: To foster international cooperation and leverage creativity and cultural industries for urban development, social inclusion, and cultural vibrancy, aligning with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• Creative Fields: Cities can join the network under one of seven creative fields: Crafts and Folk Arts, Media Arts, Film, Design, Gastronomy, Literature, or Music.
• Objectives: The network aims to strengthen international cooperation, stimulate creativity in urban development, enhance cultural production and dissemination, develop creative hubs, and improve access to cultural life.
• Benefits: Member cities gain international recognition, a platform for collaboration, and opportunities to highlight their cultural assets globally. 

Recent Additions
As of late 2023 and the most recent 2025 announcements, the UCCN has welcomed new members, with the network currently comprising over 400 cities. 
Notable recent additions from India include Lucknow (Gastronomy, 2025), Kozhikode (Literature, 2023), and Gwalior (Music, 2023). These cities join other Indian members such as Jaipur, Varanasi, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Srinagar. 

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