Bukhara to Host UNESCO Creative Cities Network Conference in 2027

In 2027, the ancient city of Bukhara will host the 19th annual conference of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Representatives from administrations, experts, artisans, and cultural figures from various countries will gather at the event to discuss the role of creativity and cultural heritage in the progress of modern urban centers.

The decision to select Bukhara was announced by UNESCO on October 30, shortly before World Cities Day, which falls on October 31. The city itself has been a member of the Creative Cities Network since 2023, being included in the 'Crafts and Folk Art' category.

Organizers plan to use the conference as a platform for knowledge exchange and developing common strategies. Key discussion topics include supporting local communities and promoting the creative economy. Special attention will be paid to how cultural potential can generate new jobs and attract tourists.

The choice of Bukhara is due to its rich heritage, including famous architectural structures and centuries-old craft traditions that continue to play an important role in the local economy and daily life. Artisans are actively supported in the city, skills are passed on to the next generations, and interaction with educational and design structures is developing.

An example of this cultural growth is the Bukhara Biennale of Contemporary Art, which combines ancient traditions, modern artistic methods, and international exchange.

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network was established in 2004 and currently unites 408 cities that integrate culture and creative industries into their urban policies and interact globally.

The conference program includes thematic discussions, cultural events, and a mayors' forum, which promotes experience sharing between cities, launching joint projects, and finding new business partners.

It should be noted that prior to Bukhara, the Moroccan city of Essaouira will host the conference in November 2026, under the slogan 'Cultural Innovations for Sustainable Urban Development.'

Furthermore, starting October 1, restrictions have been introduced in the historical center of Bukhara on the movement of certain vehicles, including electric scooters, e-scooters, mopeds, rickshaws, four-wheeled bicycles, go-karts, as well as movement by horse and camel.

The Yaşil Uyim Ecological Festival will take place in Bukhara on October 31, 2026, with financial support from the European Union as part of the 'Green Diplomacy Week 2026' campaign. The festival will include educational events, interactive workshops, discussions, scientific experiments, and musical performances aimed at raising environmental awareness and encouraging sustainable habits in daily life.

The main program for adults and youth will begin at 12:00 with a DJ set and prize giveaway. At 13:00, sign language specialist Ezosa Akhmedova will conduct an introductory session on inclusive communication, followed by a team activity called 'City of Our Dreams.' At 15:00, activist and festival organizer Motabar Khushvakhtova will lead an interactive session titled 'Is Plastic a Problem?', focusing on plastic waste management and related environmental challenges.

Concurrently, journalist and documentarian Shahzoda Mirakova, who was a member of the EU Youth Advisory Council in 2023, will host a discussion in English on ecofeminism and the various consequences of climate change for men and women. The festival's musical program is scheduled from 17:00 to 18:00. Performers will include National Artist of Uzbekistan Mansur Toshmatov and Sevora Tolanova, recipient of the Kelajak Bunyodkori medal and participant in the second season of Ovoz (The Voice Uzbekistan).

A separate program for children and parents will offer scientific experiments, robotics classes, and games designed to develop neuromotor skills. Parents will also receive practical advice on preparing children for school without excessive stress. From 13:00 to 16:00, visitors can attend the science zone, an eco-friendly goods fair, book exchange, and chess games.

Special collection points will be set up for used batteries, cooking oil, paper, plastic bags, and aluminum, allowing guests to drop off materials for recycling. The festival is part of the European Union's 'Green Diplomacy Week 2026' campaign, which aims to enhance environmental awareness, support climate initiatives, and promote sustainable development. Organizers hope that the event will help participants find practical ways to reduce their environmental impact at home and in their communities.

The Yaşil Uyim eco-festival will take place at the Plove restaurant, located at 3 Tagbandbofon Street in Bukhara. The main program will run from 12:00 to 18:00, and open activities will run from 13:00 to 16:00.

Cape Town will serve as the venue for the first Film Directors' Summit, scheduled for May 2027. The event will bring together South African filmmakers, executives, financiers, and international buyers.

This two-day gathering, organized under the guidance of directors, aims to address a long-standing issue in the South African film and television industry—the gap between creative talent and the financial support needed to move projects into production.

Andile Singoto, Executive Director of DGSA, noted that 'creative talent is already present, but the path to executives, financiers, and international buyers remains a labyrinth for many filmmakers.'

He added that the goal is to ensure that ideas reach those capable of funding and supporting them, providing both experienced and emerging directors with a real chance to bring their visions to life.

The event program will be developed with the participation of industry practitioners and will include masterclasses, curated meetings, presentation sessions, and 'first look' screenings. To facilitate direct business interaction, DGSA has prepared four specialized zones.

At the 'Presentation Stage,' filmmakers can showcase their concepts, while the 'Finance and Distribution Rooms' will focus on fundraising methods and audience analysis. Furthermore, the 'First Look Room' will allow selected directors to demonstrate their current work to key decision-makers in the industry.

New talents will receive significant support through the New Voices Program. This initiative includes mentorship, portfolio review, and a special showcase to present newcomers' projects to established producers.

The Summit also plans to attract leading international filmmakers and experts to Cape Town to stimulate co-production and knowledge exchange across continents. Singoto emphasized: 'This is not a one-way street. The global audience craves fresh, authentic voices, and our international guests know this.'

He concluded that every meeting brings closer a larger goal—to advance African stories further and realize the sector's full economic and cultural potential.