New Delhi: Srinagar, capital of Jammu and Kashmir, has joined the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization  (UNESCO) Network of Creative Cities. It has been designated as a Creative City of Craft and Folk Arts. 

Srinagar joined Chennai and Varanasi - UNESCO Cities of music, Jaipur - UNESCO City of crafts and folk arts; Mumbai – UNESCO city of film and Hyderabad – UNESCO City of gastronomy. 
 
Worldwide, 49 new cities have joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) following their designation by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, in recognition of their commitment to placing culture and creativity at the heart of their development and to sharing knowledge and good practices.
 
The Network now numbers 295 cities reaching 90 countries that invest in culture and creativity – crafts and folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts, and music – to advance sustainable urban development.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed happiness over Srinagar joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) with a special mention for its craft and folk art.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said; "Delighted that beautiful Srinagar joins the @UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) with a special mention for its craft and folk art. It is a fitting recognition for the vibrant cultural ethos of Srinagar. Congratulations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir."