Lucknow has been included in UNESCO’s list of “Creative Cities” for its rich and diverse culinary heritage.
Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), has named 58 cities as new members of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network. The list now includes 408 cities from more than 100 countries.Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, has been recognized in the “Culinary Art” category.
“A proud moment for India,” India’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO said in a post on social media on Friday. Lucknow’s rich culinary heritage is now recognized on the global stage!”
The delegation said, “Lucknow has been designated ‘UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy’ on the occasion of World Cities Day 2025 (30 October). Along with Lucknow, 58 new cities have got a place in the ‘UNESCO Creative Cities Network’ (UCCN). UCCN now includes 408 cities in more than 100 countries.
Lucknow is famous for its rich and traditional cuisine, ranging from chaat to Awadhi dishes and delicious sweets.
Announced on World Cities Day, the honor honors cities for “their commitment to fostering creativity as a driver of sustainable urban development.”
“UNESCO’s Creative Cities show that culture and the creative industries can be strong drivers of development,” Azoulay said. “By welcoming 58 new cities, we are strengthening a network where creativity supports local initiatives, attracts investment and promotes social cohesion.”
Established in 2004, UCCN aims to promote collaboration between cities that leverage culture and creativity to promote inclusive and sustainable development. It supports initiatives that create employment, promote cultural vibrancy and strengthen social cohesion.
UNESCO said the newly named creative cities also include Kisumu (Kenya) and New Orleans (USA) for music, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) for design, Matosinhos (Portugal) and Cuenca (Ecuador) for gastronomy, Giza (Egypt) for film, Rovaniemi (Finland) for architecture, Malang (Indonesia) for media arts and Aberystwyth (UK) for literature. These include examples of how local creativity fosters a distinct cultural expertise and generates economic dynamism along with social cohesion.
The ‘Creative Cities’ will converge in Essaouira (Morocco) for the Network’s Annual Conference 2026. Essaouira was ranked in the list of creative cities for music in 2019.
