Battambang Listed on the UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network
Ta Dumbong Kro Aung Stautus (Black man Statue) is a prominent landmark of Battambang Province. Photo: Chhum Chantha
- By Teng Yalirozy
- November 1, 2023 1:00 PM
PHNOM PENH — Battambang has joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) on Oct. 31, being acknowledged for its unique cuisine as part of Cambodia’s rich culture.
“The cities in our Creative Cities Network are leading the way when it comes to enhancing access to culture and galvanizing the power of creativity for urban resilience and development,” Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO director-general said, according to a UNESCO press release on Oct. 31.
As of Oct. 31, a total of 55 cities worldwide were on the UNESCO list based on their dedication and standards ranging from human-centered urban planning to integrating culture and creativity into their development initiatives.
Battambang city was recognized for its gastronomy along with Chaozhou in China, Fribourg in Switzerland, Gangneung in South Korea, Herakleion in Greece, Iloilo City in the Philippines and Nkongsamba in Cameroon, the press release read
Battambang is Cambodia’s second-largest city and a provincial capital with historic buildings and century-old pagodas situated beside a river in a gorgeous setting.
One of its popular dishes is Mi Kola (kola noodles), which can only be found in the province. It is made with stir-fried rice stick noodles with soy sauce, paired with crunchy veggies, bean sprouts, aromatic herbs, and crushed peanuts; all served in a dish with a vinaigrette.
, which can only be found in the province. Photo_ Royal Embassy of Cambodia in the United Kingdom_1698814534.png)
One of its popular dishes is Mi Kola (kola noodles), which can only be found in the province. Photo: Royal Embassy of Cambodia in the United Kingdom
Another popular dish is Koch Chea Cantonese Noodles: rice noodles stir-fried with savoury condiments accompanied with crunchy noodles.
The value of UNESCO Creative Cities is local, national and international, UNESCO said in the press release. “The newly designated Creative Cities are invited to participate in the 2024 UCCN Annual Conference from 1 - 5 July, 2024, in Braga, Portugal, under the theme “Bringing Youth to the Table for the next Decade,” UNESCO said.
A the conference, the upcoming policy paper will highlight the significant role that cities play in achieving the 2030 Agenda while mentioning UNESCO's support for the UCCN cities members through dialogue, peer-to-peer learning, and collaboration, the press release read.
