The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has added nearly four dozen cities, including Detroit—which is the site of the 2016 IDSA International Conference: Making Things Happen—to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (CCN).
In 2015, Detroit is one of only four global cities named in the UNESCO CCN field of design, and the only US city named in the field of design.
“The fact that Detroit is the first American city to receive this designation is something we are incredibly proud of and has been part of our five-year strategy to tap into the city’s rich legacy and support growth in Detroit’s design industries,” says Ellie Schneider, Detroit Creative Corridor Center (DC3) interim executive director. “It’s a testament to Detroit’s legacy, as well as a recognition of our potential and commitment.”
“IDSA is thrilled by the news, which comes just as the Society is getting into high gear planning for our International Conference and International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) in Detroit in August 2016,” says IDSA Executive Director Daniel Martinage, CAE. “IDSA is proud to have submitted a recommendation on Detroit’s behalf to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network consideration process.”
IDSA Board of Directors Central District VP Jeevak Badve also is a member of the Michigan Design Council board and the DC3 board. “DC3 worked very, very to understand, apply and earn the award for Detroit,” says the vice president, strategic growth of Sundberg-Ferar. “We couldn’t be more proud of the city winning the distinction, especially just in time to welcome IDSA’s International Conference attendees from around the world in the summer.”
“The UNESCO Creative Cities Network represents an immense potential to assert the role of culture as enabler of sustainable development. I would like to recognize the many new cities and their countries that are enriching the network with their diversity,” declares UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokovathe.
Launched in 2004 and now including 116 cities, the network fosters international cooperation among cities committed to investing in creativity as a driver for sustainable urban development, social inclusion and cultural vibrancy. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted in September 2015 highlights culture and creativity as key levers for sustainable urban development. The network will continue to serve as an essential platform to contribute to the implementation and achievement of this international agenda.
UNESCO was created in 1945 on the belief that peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity.