In a press release, the commission affirmed that, following the call for applications launched by UNESCO concerning membership in this network, it accompanied Essaouira, throughout the phase of the preparation of the application, which highlighted the assets of this city in relation to the set requirements and standards.

This network, created in 2004, now includes 246 member cities, noted the press release, specifying that the Kingdom of Morocco joined it in 2017, following the adherence of the city of Tetouan as a creative city in the fields of crafts and folk arts.

The purpose of creating this network is to encourage member cities to pursue a common mission of placing creativity and the creative economy at the heart of their urban development plans in favor of cities that are safe, resilient, inclusive and sustainable.

Thus, the programs and activities undertaken by these cities must be consistent with the United Nations sustainable development program by 2030, and in particular SDG 11 which aims to ensure that cities and human settlements are inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.