UNESCO Creative Cities Lead Global Dialogue on Human-Centred AI and Cultural Innovation

UNESCO Creative Cities Focus on Human-Centered AI Integration

Denia participated in the XVII Annual Conference of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), held on 23–24 June in Enghien-les-Bains, France. Nearly 200 cities gathered to discuss practical ways to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into urban cultural policies and sustainable development.

The conference highlighted AI’s dual nature as both a challenge and an opportunity for city governance. Participants emphasized the need for AI solutions that prioritize people, ensuring ethical use and placing citizens at the core of public policy decisions.

Creative Cities were recognized as innovation hubs with the potential to use AI to reduce inequality and strengthen social cohesion. Delegates exchanged real-world examples of AI in local government and urban planning, encouraging collaboration across borders.

Commitment to Culture and Sustainable Development

Denia’s mayor, Vicent Grimalt, joined the Mayors’ Forum, which reaffirmed support for the Braga Manifesto. This manifesto calls for culture to be recognized as a standalone objective within the United Nations development agenda.

The forum also prepared the network for MONDIACULT 2025, the upcoming World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development, scheduled in Barcelona from 29 September to 1 October. Denia’s delegation included Florentino Terrades, director of the Office of Innovation and Creativity, and Raul Garcia de la Reina, councillor for Culture and International Relations.

Collaboration Among Spanish UNESCO Cities

Denia collaborated with other Spanish Creative Cities like Lliria, Manises, Burgos, Valladolid, and Valencia. They held coordination meetings to share experiences and discuss innovation strategies. The event also facilitated discussions within thematic subgroups of the network.

As a member of the Creative Cities of Gastronomy, Denia connected with 56 other cities in this category. Plans were announced for the next Gastronomy cluster meeting to take place in Merida, Mexico, from 30 October to 2 November 2025.

D*na Festival 2025 and Global Gastronomy Connections

The conference provided a platform for Denia to engage with Gastronomy city representatives from Tsuruoka and Usuki (Japan) and Nkongsamba (Cameroon). Five Creative Cities of Gastronomy have confirmed participation in the D*na Festival 2025, scheduled for 27–28 September. These cities include Parma (Italy), Zahle (Lebanon), Merida (Mexico), Tsuruoka (Japan), and Nkongsamba (Cameroon).

Denise Bax, Secretary of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, acknowledged Denia’s role in the recent Sustainable Gastronomy Week (16–22 June). Chef Belen Escrivá from La Xerna del Mar represented the city with a special menu for the event.

Looking Ahead

Before the conference ended, it was announced that Essaouira, Morocco—Creative City of Music—will host the 2026 UNESCO Creative Cities Annual Conference.

For creatives interested in AI’s role in urban development and culture, exploring relevant AI courses can provide valuable skills. Resources like Complete AI Training’s latest courses offer practical guidance on AI applications and ethical considerations.