Hebron Joins UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the Field of Crafts and Folk Arts

Paris-The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates welcomed the official inclusion of the historic Palestinian city of Hebron into the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) under the category of Crafts and Folk Arts. The announcement was made on the occasion of World Cities Day 2025, during which UNESCO’s Director-General celebrated the addition of 58 new cities from around the world to the Network.

The Ministry emphasized that the selection of the city of Hebron represents an international recognition of Palestinian heritage and the city’s rich artisanal traditions, passed down through generations; particularly in the field of traditional crafts, which form an integral part of Hebron’s cultural and social identity. It stands as a testament to the authenticity and creativity of the Palestinian people.
The Ministry further noted that this milestone will strengthen Palestinian efforts to preserve and develop traditional craftsmanship, while opening new international opportunities for local artisans.
As a new member of the Network, Hebron is committed to working alongside other creative cities to promote culture and creativity as key drivers of sustainable development. The city will seek to implement projects and initiatives that safeguard traditional crafts, integrate them into the modern creative economy, and contribute to generating employment and fostering socio-economic growth in the region.

It is noteworthy that the UNESCO Creative Cities Network now includes 408 cities from over 100 countries, all dedicated to placing culture and creativity at the heart of their development strategies. The inclusion of Hebron and other new members reflects the Network’s rich cultural diversity and the shared ambition to build more sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant cities through the power of culture and creativity.