Image credit: Pradesh Portal
Ambassador Rob Fenn held a productive meeting with Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol of Kathmandu to discuss the city’s recent designation as a UNESCO Creative City and explore opportunities to strengthen connections with the creative economy in the United Kingdom.
During the meeting, Ambassador Fenn and Deputy Mayor Dangol explored various avenues to leverage Kathmandu’s new status to enhance its cultural and economic ties with the UK. The conversation highlighted the potential for Kathmandu to engage more deeply with the UK’s vibrant creative sector, where the Nepalese diaspora is making significant cultural impacts.
Kathmandu’s recent UNESCO designation as a Creative City of Music marks a notable achievement in the city’s cultural journey, celebrating its rich musical heritage and creative spirit. The status is expected to boost the city’s global profile and attract increased attention from international cultural and economic partners.
Ambassador Fenn expressed enthusiasm about the prospects of fostering greater collaboration between Kathmandu and the UK. Deputy Mayor Dangol highlighted the importance of international partnerships in expanding Kathmandu’s creative reach. “We are excited about the potential to collaborate with the UK, especially given the strong presence of the Nepalese diaspora and their contributions to the creative sector. This partnership can open new avenues for cultural diplomacy and economic development,” Dangol stated.
The discussions also touched on potential projects and initiatives that could facilitate collaboration, including joint cultural events, creative workshops, and exchanges between artists and creatives from both regions. Such initiatives are expected to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultural dynamics that bind Kathmandu and the UK.
The meeting reflects a growing trend of global cities leveraging their creative designations to build international partnerships and enhance their cultural and economic profiles. As Kathmandu embraces its role as a UNESCO Creative City, the potential for collaborative projects with the UK offers promising prospects for both cultural enrichment and economic development.
The successful integration of Kathmandu’s creative assets with the UK’s established creative economy is anticipated to yield significant benefits for both parties, enhancing cultural exchange and promoting the global reach of Nepalese creativity.