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Tallinn and Tartu sign UNESCO Creative Cities Braga Manifesto

Tallinn and Tartu sign UNESCO Creative Cities Braga Manifesto

From July 1-5, a high-level conference of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network is taking place in Braga, Portugal, focusing on the importance of creativity in sustainable urban development. At the conference, the UNESCO Creative Cities Manifesto was signed, emphasizing the central role of culture in the sustainable development of cities.

Aastal 2004 loodud UNESCO loovlinnade võrgustikku kuulub praeguseks 350 linna enam kui 100 riigist üle maailma. Neid ühendab arusaamine kultuurivaldkonna olulisuseEstablished in 2004, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network now includes 350 cities from over 100 countries worldwide. These cities share an understanding of the importance of the cultural sector in the identity, development, and innovation of local communities and cities, as well as a desire to engage in closer international cooperation. Since 2022, Tallinn has held the title of UNESCO City of Music.

The manifesto was signed on behalf of Tallinn by Deputy Mayor Kaarel Oja, who noted that the UNESCO Creative Cities Network is becoming one of the most significant global leaders in the cultural sector. "In recent years, we have seen a sharp increase in applications to join the network, which has set the bar very high, and members are expected to do more and more," said Oja. "With the Braga Manifesto, UNESCO Creative Cities reaffirm their common belief that for us, culture is not just one sector among others, but we see creativity and a vibrant cultural landscape as the main driving force for the economy and a solution for achieving diversity, innovation, and social equality."

The manifesto signed in Braga highlights the importance and potential of culture and creativity to implement necessary changes to strategically address the problems cities face. Creative Cities call for recognizing culture as an independent goal in the post-2030 sustainable development framework.

The manifesto emphasizes the role of local governments in promoting inclusive culture and lifelong arts education. It recognizes culture as an economic driving force and promises to support initiatives that ensure the sustainability of the cultural and creative industries. It calls for the universal recognition and protection of cultural rights, ensuring that everyone can freely participate in cultural life. It supports the development of digital technologies and digital innovation in the cultural sector. The focus is also on sustainable urban tourism development, the protection of tangible and intangible cultural heritage in the face of climate change, and several other important aspects.

From Estonia, the manifesto was also signed by UNESCO City of Literature Tartu, represented in Braga by Deputy Mayor Elo Kiivet.
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