We are excited to share our impressions from the 17th Annual Conference of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), held on June 23–24 in France, in the charming city of Enghien-les-Bains!

The central theme of this year’s meeting was “Culture and Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of UNESCO Creative Cities.” This dynamic discussion brought together over 450 delegates from nearly 200 cities representing all creative fields of the Network.

The conference opening, with speeches by UCCN Chair Ernesto Ottone and Enghien-les-Bains Mayor Philippe Huyghe, set the stage for an in-depth analysis of the role of innovation and cultural policy in urban development. Special attention was given to the pivotal function of cities in shaping a future where culture serves as a central pillar of urban development strategies. Ethical issues related to the use of artificial intelligence in the cultural sector were also highlighted, emphasizing a responsible approach to emerging technologies.

Parallel events showcased the transformative potential of AI in culture, demonstrating how technology can enrich artistic life, enhance audience engagement, and stimulate creativity in all its forms. Participants actively exchanged experiences, presenting successful projects from the past year and generating fresh ideas for cross-sector collaboration — essential for synergy and mutual enrichment.

Odesa — UNESCO City of Literature joined this global dialogue! We had the opportunity to present our project “Poetry in UNESCO Cities of Literature.” This initiative aims to build cultural bridges, introducing Ukrainian audiences to the poetic heritage of the world through our newspaper Vechirnia Odesa and the integration of innovative AR technologies.

You can see the project’s first featured figure — Kjaran Oumarsson, Head of the Reykjavík — UNESCO City of Literature Office, holding a copy of Vechirnia Odesa during the presentation. Representatives from all Cities of Literature received their own copies of the newspaper.

Events like this are not only about sharing information but also about creating strong connections and a shared vision for a future where culture and innovation walk hand in hand. We are grateful to Enghien-les-Bains for the warm welcome and fruitful discussions!