WEAVING THE CREATIVE THREAD INTO THE FABRIC OF SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT: THE CASE OF THE UNESCO CREATIVE CITIES NETWORK

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) is a global initiative designed to foster sustainable development and innovation through the medium of creativity. It functions as a platform for critical reflection and action, particularly in the context of implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with an emphasis on the promotion of sustainable cities and communities. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the mechanisms through which the UCCN promotes creativity as a catalyst for sustainable urban development theory in two decades of activities. Based on an analysis of 458 reports available on the UNESCO website until May 2025, this study used a qualitative approach, specifically employing reflexive thematic analysis using ATLAS.ti software to examine reports and documents. The analysis investigates the strategies and policies enacted by member cities, with an emphasis on exemplary practices and innovative methodologies. This investigation is anchored in the mission statement articulated on the UNESCO website, as numerous UCCN members have published their reports in accordance with this mission. The findings revealed that the integration of creativity into sustainable urban development strategies has changed from a peripheral experiment to an emerging global standard. Furthermore, it is essential to develop robust mixed methods evaluation frameworks capable of capturing both tangible environmental and economic metrics, alongside intangible outcomes such as cultural vitality and social well-being. Finally, cultural policy must be explicitly conceptualized and implemented as a mechanism to advance objectives that prioritize equity, address challenges associated with creative city strategies, support diverse populations, and mitigate pressures of displacement.