EN/NL
UNESCO Creative Cities for Culture of Peace: A New Vision for Global Cooperation
Introduction
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) has, since its inception in 2004, brought together cities that recognize creativity as a core pillar of sustainable urban development. As the world faces rising geopolitical tensions, social inequality, and environmental challenges, the role of culture in peacebuilding has never been more crucial. To further strengthen UNESCO’s Global Movement for a Culture of Peace, Amsterdam proposes the establishment of a new category within UCCN:
UNESCO Creative Cities for Culture of Peace
Amsterdam aims to become the first city to hold this designation and lead a global initiative that unites cities in fostering creative peacebuilding. By leveraging the existing 350+ Creative Cities and UNESCO’s Culture of Peace program, this initiative will develop projects, cultural exchanges, and policy frameworks that integrate art, design, media, music, literature, and more into peace-driven urban strategies.
This proposal envisions a worldwide network of cities dedicated to creativity as a force for peace—a network that strengthens cultural diplomacy, fosters social cohesion, and promotes intercultural understanding.
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network: Achievements & Potential for Peacebuilding
Since 2004, UCCN has promoted creative industries across seven fields:
Crafts & Folk Art
Design
Film
Gastronomy
Literature
Media Arts
Music
Cities in the network collaborate, share best practices, and integrate creativity into sustainable urban policies. The initiative aligns with UNESCO’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, fostering economic resilience, social inclusion, and cultural vitality.
However, peacebuilding has yet to be fully incorporated as a dedicated creative field. The introduction of UNESCO Creative Cities for Culture of Peace would fill this gap by mobilizing cultural creativity to foster nonviolence, reconciliation, and community engagement.
Amsterdam Creative City for a Culture of Peace
Amsterdam is uniquely positioned to take the lead in this initiative due to:
Its Diversity & Internationalism
- Amsterdam is home to 180 nationalities, making it one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world.
- It has a long history of freedom, tolerance, and dialogue, essential values for promoting a Culture of Peace.
Its Thriving Cultural & Creative Sectors
- The city is a hub for design, art, media, literature, and music, which can be mobilized for peacebuilding.
- Amsterdam has a strong ecosystem of civic initiatives, NGOs, and international organizations working on human rights and peace.
Existing UNESCO and Cultural Diplomacy Initiatives
- Amsterdam is home to several UNESCO-related projects, including heritage conservation, intercultural exchanges, and creative industries initiatives.
- The city has played an active role in European cultural cooperation and global creative industries.
Proposed Activities for Amsterdam as a UNESCO Creative City for Culture of Peace
As the first city with this designation, Amsterdam will initiate and coordinate a wide range of innovative projects and collaborations:
1. Culture of Peace Festival & Public Art Initiatives
- Organizing an annual Culture of Peace Festival, showcasing artists, musicians, filmmakers, and writers whose work promotes nonviolence and social harmony.
- Transforming public spaces with peace-themed murals, installations, and interactive digital art.
2. Peace Labs & Creative Hubs
- Establishing creative hubs where artists, activists, and policymakers collaborate on cultural peacebuilding projects.
- Hosting “Peace Labs”, which use design thinking, AI, and storytelling to tackle social issues and promote dialogue.
3. AI & Digital Tools for Peacebuilding
- Developing AI-driven cultural mapping tools to visualize conflict zones and peacebuilding efforts worldwide.
- Using immersive technologies (VR/AR) to create educational experiences about historical peace movements.
4. Cultural Diplomacy & Global City-to-City Cooperation
- Strengthening partnerships with other UNESCO Creative Cities through joint peace projects, artist exchanges, and collaborative exhibitions.
- Developing online platforms where creative professionals from different cities can share ideas and co-develop peace initiatives.
5. Intercultural Dialogue & Inclusive Urban Development
- Organizing “Peace Tables” in public spaces, where citizens from diverse backgrounds can engage in open conversations.
- Supporting migrant and refugee artists, ensuring their voices and cultural expressions are included in the city’s creative landscape.
Scaling Up: Expanding the Network of Creative Cities for Culture of Peace
After Amsterdam sets the foundation, other cities can apply for the UNESCO Creative City for Culture of Peace designation. This will create a global movement of cities using creativity to promote peace.
How Cities Can Join & Contribute
Cities will demonstrate how their creative industries contribute to peacebuilding.
They will establish local peace initiatives using culture, art, and design.
They aim to engage in international collaborations with other cities in the network.
Key Areas for Future Development
Policy Integration – Embedding culture-driven peacebuilding into urban planning.
Education & Training – Establishing educational programs on peace culture and creative industries.
Cross-Sector Collaboration – Engaging businesses, NGOs, and governments in creative peacebuilding efforts.
Amsterdam’s Vision for the Future
The creation of UNESCO Creative Cities for Culture of Peace is an ambitious yet necessary step toward integrating culture into global peace efforts. Amsterdam, as the first city to take on this role, is committed to pioneering innovative cultural initiatives, fostering international collaboration, and making creativity a key tool for peacebuilding.
This initiative will not only transform Amsterdam, but will inspire other cities worldwide to join the movement, creating a future where creativity and culture drive sustainable peace.
Join us in building a global network of Creative Cities for a Culture of Peace!