UNESCO Creative and World Heritage Cities: Towards Integrated Strategies for Sustainable Cultural Tourism Management

Convened within the framework of the EU-funded Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans (CC4WBs) project, and jointly organized by UNESCO, the city of Mostar, and the Tourism Board of the City of Mostar, this pioneering sub-regional event will bring together UNESCO designated Creative Cities and World Heritage Cities from selected countries of South-East Europe (SEE) and European counterparts, namely Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, the Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, the Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom.

Serving as a pilot initiative, the conference will explore how the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and the World Heritage Cities Programme can be jointly leveraged to advance inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban development, integrating cultural value into urban strategies and addressing tourism pressures, climate change, and governance challenges. The meeting will highlight the synergy between creativity and heritage and introduce the concept of Smart UNESCO Cities, translating designation into action through innovative governance, digital tools, and sustainable urban practices, while providing a platform for dialogue and peer learning.