BATTAMBANG: The city of Battambang’s hard work has paid off after UNESCO announced its inscription into its Creative Cities Network. The UCCN, which was established in 2004 with the aim of promoting cooperation among cities that consider innovation an important factor in developing strategies for sustainable urban development in the economic, social, cultural and environmental sectors.
On October 31, Battambang became the first Cambodian city to make the list, with a focus on the city’s food culture. The Network includes 350 cities in more than one hundred countries, representing seven creative fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts and Music. “UNESCO congratulates Cambodia on this first-ever achievement. The recognition of Battambang as a Creative City of Gastronomy is a tribute to the city’s cultural assets and will be instrumental in promoting culture and creativity and will enhance the economic growth and tourism income of the communities,” said Mr. Sardar Umar Alam, UNESCO Representative to Cambodia.
Local dishes including Nem Battambang (soft fish), Prahok Battambang, Amok Battambang, Kralan Battambang (sticky rice stuffed in bamboo tube), Sangvak Battambang, Papaya Salad Battambang, Kantuy Hes Battambang, Rice Paper Battambang, Teuk Kroeung Battambang sold the city as a hub of gastronomy, where creativity, local development and cultural exchange are prioritized.
While Battambang has been officially recognized in the Gastronomy category, it also offers a diverse range of cultural assets.
In June, Battambang hosted its biennial S’Art Festival, bringing together a diverse range of artists and featuring a variety of urban art styles including graffiti, street art, murals, puppet workshops, hip hop dancing and more. Artists from Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Indonesia and Malaysia participated in interactive art installations, painting demonstrations, workshops and panel discussions.
Now that Battambang has received the recognition it deserves, the Kingdom hopes to add Siem Reap, Kratie and Kampot to the list for their own unique cultural offerings.
