Kyiv has been designated a UNESCO City of Music: what does this mean for the capital?

The Ukrainian capital has officially been designated a UNESCO City of Music and has become part of the Creative Cities Network. This international recognition underscores the city's role as an important center of culture and creativity in Europe. Find out how Kyiv became one of the world's music capitals and what this status means for the development of culture

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UNESCO has officially included Kyiv in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). The decision was announced by the organization's Director-General Audrey Azoulay, who welcomed 58 new cities from more than 40 countries that joined the initiative in 2025.

Kyiv — among the music capitals of the world

The Ukrainian capital has received the honorary title of UNESCO City of Music, joining an international community that promotes culture, creativity, and the arts as drivers of sustainable development.

Along with Kyiv, cities such as New Orleans (USA), Liège (Belgium), Wushi (China), and others were included in this year's music category. Thus, Kyiv has become part of a global cultural network that brings together the world's most famous music centers.

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What is the UNESCO Creative Cities Network?

Today, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network includes 408 cities from over 100 countries. They are united by their desire to use culture as a tool for sustainable development, community building, and international dialogue.

This year, another field has been added to the traditional seven creative fields — crafts and folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts, and music — namely architecture, which demonstrates the further expansion of the program's cultural horizons.

Creativity as a driver of development

According to UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, "Creative cities demonstrate that culture and creative industries can be concrete drivers of development. By welcoming 58 new cities, we are strengthening a network where creativity supports local initiatives, attracts investment, and promotes social cohesion."

Thus, Kyiv has not only gained international recognition for its musical potential, but also the opportunity to develop cultural diplomacy, support artists, and attract international projects.

New opportunities for Ukrainian culture

The UNESCO Creative Cities program brings together communities that use culture as a basis for sustainable development. Network participants implement innovative cultural initiatives, support local creative industries, create new opportunities for artists, and promote the development of international partnerships.

The status of City of Music opens up new perspectives for Kyiv — from cultural exchanges to the creation of joint art platforms and world-class festivals.

Kyiv — a city that sings!

Plan your trip to the UNESCO City of Music with Visit Ukraine Tours. Choose from ready-made itineraries, book your trip online, and discover the cultural rhythm of Ukraine's capital.

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