Safi and Tangier join UNESCO’s creative cities network

Saturday 01 November 2025 - 09:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Safi and Tangier join UNESCO’s creative cities network

Safi and Tangier have earned a prestigious spot on UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, a global initiative recognizing urban centers that leverage cultural heritage and creativity for sustainable development. Announced on World Cities Day 2025, the inclusion of these two Moroccan cities highlights their cultural richness and economic potential.

The network, which now includes 58 new members worldwide, promotes seven fields: Crafts & Folk Art, Literature, Media Arts, Music, Film, Design, and Gastronomy. Member cities commit to fostering creativity, sharing best practices, and driving urban resilience through culture-led growth.

Safi, renowned for its age-old pottery traditions, has long been a hub of artisanal craftsmanship. Its hillside workshops and kilns shape not only jars and tiles but also a thriving network of small businesses and training centers. Tangier, in contrast, stands as a cosmopolitan beacon for writers, filmmakers, and musicians, with a vibrant cultural scene that attracts audiences from across the region and beyond.

This dual recognition underscores the diversity of Morocco’s cultural landscape, connecting the historic pottery capital of Safi with Tangier’s literary and artistic pulse. Together, they join Casablanca, recognized for Media Arts, and Essaouira, celebrated for its Gnawa music heritage, in expanding Morocco’s footprint on the global cultural stage.

The Creative Cities Network offers platforms for international collaboration, education, and innovation. For Safi and Tangier, this means building action plans with UNESCO, launching exchange programs with other member cities, and developing initiatives that support local creators while preserving their heritage.

UNESCO has emphasized the importance of culture in sustainable urban development, positioning it as a key driver of inclusive growth. Safi and Tangier’s inclusion not only boosts their visibility but also strengthens Morocco’s commitment to culture-driven progress. Essaouira, a fellow member, will host the network’s annual conference in 2026, cementing the country’s role as a leader in creative urban development.