Lucknow Joins UNESCO Network : A Global Toast to Awadhi Cuisine
Context:
At the 43rd UNESCO General Conference held in Uzbekistan (2025), Lucknow was officially declared a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. This global recognition celebrates the city’s rich Awadhi cuisine, traditional culinary heritage, and its role in promoting cultural diplomacy through food. The inclusion reflects Lucknow’s ability to blend history, creativity, and sustainable food culture, making it a significant contributor to the world’s gastronomic identity.
About UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN):
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) is a global initiative that connects cities using creativity and culture as key tools for sustainable urban development.
- Established: In 2004 by UNESCO to promote international cooperation among cities investing in culture and creativity for inclusive growth.
- Objective: To integrate creativity into local development policies, encourage innovation, and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Key Features of UCCN:
- Consists of over 350 cities worldwide across seven creative fields – Gastronomy, Literature, Music, Film, Design, Crafts & Folk Arts, and Media Arts.
- Promotes cultural exchange, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building among cities.
- Encourages the growth of the creative economy, sustainable tourism, and inclusive urban planning.
- Protects and promotes intangible cultural heritage in alignment with UNESCO’s global cultural agenda.
- Member cities undertake collaborative projects and provide periodic progress reports to retain their designation.
Indian Cities Recognized under UCCN:
| City | Field of Recognition | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Jaipur | Crafts and Folk Arts | 2015 |
| Varanasi | Music | 2015 |
| Chennai | Music | 2017 |
| Mumbai | Film | 2019 |
| Hyderabad | Gastronomy | 2019 |
| Srinagar | Crafts and Folk Arts | 2021 |
| Kozhikode | Literature | 2023 |
| Gwalior | Music | 2023 |
| Lucknow | Gastronomy | 2025 |
Conclusion:
Lucknow’s inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network signifies a major milestone in India’s cultural and culinary diplomacy. The city’s recognition as a Creative City of Gastronomy not only honours its centuries-old Awadhi culinary legacy but also strengthens its role in fostering cultural exchange, sustainable food practices, and urban innovation. This achievement reinforces India’s growing presence on the global map of creative and heritage-driven cities.
Source : The Hindu