UNESCO Creative Cities Network

In 2024, Braga was chosen as the host city for the XVI Annual Conference of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)between July 1st and 5thno Altice Forum Bragaconfirming the city's prestige on the international creativity and innovation scene.

This high-level event brought together participants from more than 250 member citiesfrom all continents, with the presence of more than 350 delegations from around 100 countries.

Reasons that made Braga stand out as a host city:

• Recognized since 2017 UNESCO Creative City in the field of Media ArtsThis shows a solid and growing cultural and technological ecosystem.

• O Altice Forum Braga offered the ideal infrastructure to host plenary sessions, high-level forums, thematic panels and the signing of the manifesto, with capacity for large audiences and modern technology.

Conference highlights:

• Approval and signature of "Braga Manifesto: A Culture Goal for Sustainable Development"which proposes integrating culture as an autonomous goal in the United Nations' post-2030 agenda.

• Meetings of senior decision-makers such as mayors, UNESCO representatives and international organizations, reflecting the institutional weight of the event.

• Key topics discussed: cultural innovation, cultural rights, artificial intelligence in the creative sector, culture and climate action, synergies between culture and education, and the development of locally-based cultural policies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Impact on Braga:

• Strengthening the local Media Arts ecosystem, with educational programs, artist residencies, cultural start-ups and events such as the "index" biennial.

• Braga's high institutional and media visibility as a benchmark in global strategies for sustainable urban creativity.

• Creation of new bilateral relations and alliances with other creative cities, with strong potential for future partnerships.