November 5, 2025

Lalitpur Joins UNESCO Creative Cities Network as City of Music

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Lalitpur Metropolitan City has earned international recognition as it has been officially designated a “UNESCO Creative City of Music.” This inclusion marks a major milestone for Nepal’s cultural heritage on the global stage, celebrating Lalitpur’s deep-rooted musical traditions, community-based music education, and diverse heritage of classical, folk, and spiritual sounds.

With this designation, Lalitpur becomes part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), which now consists of 408 cities from over 100 countries across the world. The Network continues to expand and evolve. In addition to the existing seven fields, Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music, UNESCO has, for the first time, introduced Architecture as a new creative category.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay emphasized the transformative power of culture while announcing the latest designations. She noted that the Creative Cities demonstrate how culture and creative industries act as powerful drivers of development, attracting investment, nurturing innovation, and fostering unity within societies.

Since its creation in 2004, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network has promoted people-centered urban development. Cities in the network are recognized for using creativity and culture not only to preserve heritage but to encourage contemporary innovation, create employment, and improve quality of life. From film initiatives in São Paulo to creative incubators in Riyadh, the 2025 cohort of newly designated cities has already begun actively contributing to the Network’s mission.

Lalitpur’s selection as a City of Music is rooted in its vibrant musical legacy. From traditional Newa music and temple-based hymns to classical instrumental performances, music remains an integral part of community life. The city’s commitment to preserving intangible heritage while supporting musicians, promoting music education, and hosting cultural festivals reflects UNESCO’s ideals of sustainability, inclusion, and creativity-led development.

The Creative Cities Network encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing across borders. Member cities actively exchange strategies, inspire one another, and work together to harness culture as a tool for achieving long-term goals such as those outlined in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Through initiatives like promoting creative entrepreneurs, supporting local artists, and encouraging youth participation, Creative Cities contribute to stronger economies and more cohesive societies.

Looking ahead, Lalitpur and other member cities will participate in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network’s Annual Conference, scheduled to take place in 2026 in Essaouira, Morocco—another city recognized for its musical identity. This forum will provide an opportunity to discuss challenges, share innovations, and strengthen international cultural partnerships.

By joining this global network, Lalitpur takes a significant step toward reaffirming its identity as a city where tradition and innovation harmonize—where music is not only heritage but a pathway to progress, unity, and sustainable urban growth.

Cities that joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2025 are: