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Representatives from nearly 40 UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy and 10 Creative Cities of other creative fields gathered to discuss the role of gastronomy in sustainable urban development and cultural exchange. Chefs, cultural practitioners, artisans, young culinary professionals and international organizations also joined the festivities, creating an inclusive global platform on foodways.
Cities have always been the meeting point of people, culture and flavours. This Fest celebrates not only culinary excellence, but the power of food to foster cultural exchange and appreciation. UNESCO is pleased to be part of this dynamic event where culinary culture serves as a vehicle for dialogue and cooperation.
Ms Denise BaxSecretary of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network
With a view to actively involving and benefiting local communities, Macau Fisherman’s Wharf was chosen as the main event venue, while an additional community venue was also set in the vicinity. The Fest featured five highlights – International Gastronomy Promenade, City of Gastronomy Showcase, International Gastronomy Forum, World Wine Lounge and Global Goodies Market. The events illustrated how gastronomy can connect communities and creative sectors, while fostering sustainable development at the local level.
Advancing global dialogue on gastronomy and sustainable development
A central moment of the Fest was the International Gastronomy Forum under the theme “Creative Fusion.” Discussions explored how gastronomy intersects with other creative fields and policy areas such as tourism, culture, education and sustainability.
Participants examined the role of cross-sectoral collaboration in transforming local culinary traditions into dynamic cultural experiences that strengthen local economies, enhance visitor engagement and drive inclusive urban development.
Specialized in culture-tourism integration policies and gastronomy tourism, it is a great honor for me to participate in the 2026 International Gastronomy Forum, Macao. Its rich content and cross-disciplinary exchanges provide valuable practical cases and cutting-edge insights on gastronomy tourism, intangible heritage, sustainability, and cultural-tourism fusion, inspiring my future research directions.
Mr Xiaolong ChenPhD student in Public Policy, Macao Polytechnic University
During the event, Macao’s “Tourism +” policies were highlighted as an example showcasing how gastronomy can contribute to community-based economic development. By encouraging district-level festivals that highlight neighbourhood delicacies, local histories and creative identities, the city promotes a more balanced distribution of tourism flows while supporting community associations and small enterprises.
Empowering the next generation of culinary leaders
The Forum emphasized the importance of youth engagement in shaping sustainable food futures, notably through the participation of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The Young Chefs Programme, organized by the FAO’s World Food Forum and supported by the UCCN Secretariat, was presented as an initiative empowering young culinary professionals to act as agents of change within food systems and local communities.
The Fest also celebrated emerging culinary talents selected through the Programme, including Chef Daniel Chio Ka Kin and Chef Safa Nessmarie Rodas, both based in Macao, as well as Chef Lihle Mahambehlala from South Africa.
For me, cooking has always been about more than just food it’s about people, origin, memory, and connection. Being part of this event reminds me that as young chefs, we have a responsibility to shape food systems and that are not only sustainable, but also inclusive and rooted in our cultures and heritage.
Ms Lihle MahambehlalaSouth African Chef
Through live cooking demonstrations and discussions, the young chefs shared their visions for a gastronomy sector that can serve as a powerful vehicle for cultural exchange, food education and community engagement.
Macao as a case study for the impact of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network
The Fest marked a milestone in the collaboration between Macao and the UCCN Secretariat, with a dedicated research report, highlighting Macao as a case study to be launched in 2027.
The research explores how the “Creative City” designation can generate tangible results at the city level, including the safeguarding of culinary heritage, fostering of innovation and promotion of culture-driven sustainable tourism. The report is being developed with the support of FAO and UN Tourism, building on the report on the Impact of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network at Local, National and International Level.
Strengthening cooperation across the Network
To strengthen connections and synergies between gastronomy and other creative fields, this year’s edition also welcomed seven Chinese UNESCO Creative Cities from diverse creative domains across the Network. Their participation offered an opportunity not only to showcase their works, but also to share good practices and foster cross-sector collaboration, notably with Creative Cities of Gastronomy from all regions of the world.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/international-cities-gastronomy-fest-macao-platform-culture-creativity-and-urban-innovation?hub=701
