Srinagar makes it to UNESCO's Creative Cities Network list

In a significant development, UNESCO has picked Srinagar in its Creative Cities Network list.

Srinagar has become the sixth Indian city to be part of this list after Mumbai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Chennai and Varanasi.
UNESCO has picked 49 cities worldwide for its creative cities network.

The cities were picked in recognition of "their commitment to placing culture and creativity at the heart of their development and to sharing knowledge and good practices", according to a press release posted on the UNESCO.

"A new urban model needs to be developed in every city, with its architects, town planners, landscapers and citizens," said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, "Delighted that beautiful Srinagar joins the @Unesco Creative Cities Network (UCCN) with a special mention for its craft and folk art. It is a fitting recognition for the vibrant cultural ethos of Srinagar. Congratulations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir."

The UCCN now has 295 cities in its list that invest in culture and creativity - crafts and folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts, and music - to advance sustainable urban development.

Srinagar's name for the UCCN list was recommended by the Indian National Commission for Cooperation along with Gwalior.