As you all know, we are currently witnessing a global outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), including in many UCCN member cities. Our thoughts and admiration go out to all those who are working every day to protect the safety and wellbeing of their fellow citizens around the world.
While we do not know the full extent and severity of the outbreak at this time, we do know that this is the moment to continue strengthening our cooperation. This is a moment in which member cities can leverage the power of culture and creativity to cope with the evolving challenges we are collectively facing.
Preventing the further spread of coronavirus is a shared objective for UNESCO and all its stakeholders, including the Creative Cities. We are deeply encouraged by the measures taken by a number of our affected member cities towards reinforcing their preparedness for, their response to, and their recovery from coronavirus.
The current situation is global, and so should be our response. The Network provides us with an opportunity to stand together and undertake collective action. In this regard, we strongly call on all member cities to share any innovative actions they are implementing in response to this situation, particularly through culture and creativity. The UCCN Secretariat stands ready to facilitate the dissemination of this information within the Network.
UNESCO continues to monitor this situation very closely. Please rest assured that UNESCO extends its full support to you, the UCCN member cities. We count on your valuable contributions, which will enable us all to move forward together through this difficult situation.
Thank you once again for your cooperation and support.
Warm regards,
UCCN Secretariat