3rd UCCN Creative Cities of Gastronomy Annual Meeting kicks off in Kuching
- BT
- 2 days ago
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KUCHING, 5 August 2026: The 3rd Annual Meeting of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) – Creative Cities of Gastronomy was officiated yesterday by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr.) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, which will set to bring together over 200 delegates from 25 countries under the theme ‘Preserving the Past, Feeding the Future: Gastronomy for Sustainable Cities’.
The officiating ceremony was held in Kuching at the Riverside Majestic Hotel, and is a reflection of the state government’s unwavering commitment towards strengthening Kuching’s position as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, while advancing Sarawak’s vision towards becoming an internationally recognised destination for tourism, culture and the creative economy.
“Kuching has been a hub for trade and commerce. Nowadays, Kuching is evolving from a traditional culinary culture towards increasingly international expressions of creativity. The city’s local cuisine draws on unique ingredients sourced from the incredible diversity of the Sarawak region, enhanced by the close relationship between communities and the natural environment,” shared the Secretary of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (Paris, France), Denise Bax in a video message.
“Over the years, our Annual Meeting has proven to be much more than a routine gathering. It is the most vital and effective platform we have for forging and strengthening ties between cities separated by vast geographical distances yet deeply aligned in their core values and ambitions. Following the fruitful paths previously charted during our meetings in Phuket and Mérida, we gather here in Kuching to take another decisive step forward. We are here to tackle our shared challenges regarding food systems, culinary arts and nutrition, while remaining sharply focused on the most pressing issues of our era: environmental sustainability, the preservation of local identity and the duty of passing on tradition to upcoming generations,” said Coordinator of Cities of Gastronomy Subnetwork Coordinator, Claudio Cecchinelli in his opening remarks, who added that the meeting would explore presentations from 10 member cities whose projects perfectly embody the meeting’s theme, the UCCN mission statement and the SDGs.
“Our food tells us the story of who we are. It reflects the traditions of our Malay, Chinese, Dayak, Melanau and many other communities, all of whom have contributed to the rich culinary identity that defines Sarawak today. Every traditional recipe carries with it generations of knowledge, while every local ingredient reflects the close relationship between our people and the land we call home,” said Mayor of Kuching South and President of the Kuching Gastronomy Association, Dato Wee Hong Seng in his speech.
“Gastronomy is more than just a tourism attraction, as it supports an extensive ecosystem that also includes farmers, fishermen, producers, entrepreneurs, artisans and researchers, as well as chefs. More than a source of nourishment, food also creates ample opportunities for employment and business opportunities, and has the capability to improve the lives of everyone,” added the Sarawak Premier in his keynote address.
Also in attendance at yesterday’s officiating ceremony, Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Mayor of Kuching North, Dato Haji Hilmy bin Haji Othman.
