KUCHING – Kuching has been selected as the host city for the 3rd Annual UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy Network (UCCN) Assembly from August 4 to August 7, 2026. The announcement marks a major milestone for Sarawak’s capital, further strengthening its reputation as a centre for culinary excellence and culture-driven tourism.
Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, described the selection as an acknowledgment of Kuching’s credibility and leadership within the UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy. He said the assembly goes beyond a formal meeting, serving as a celebration of Kuching’s heritage and its standing on the global culinary map.
The assembly will be jointly organised by the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and the Kuching Gastronomy Association (KGA), with full support from the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts. The UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy Network comprises 63 cities across 35 countries, and Kuching’s selection highlights Sarawak’s growing international profile in gastronomy and creative development.
According to Abdul Karim, the annual gathering will provide a platform for member cities to share experiences, strengthen collaborations, and formulate strategies for sustainable food systems. He noted that Sarawak’s cuisine reflects the state’s rich biodiversity and cultural diversity, rooted in sustainability and community values that align closely with UNESCO’s vision.
The event is expected to draw around 170 international delegations, in addition to local and regional participants. Thousands of visitors are also anticipated to attend public programmes, exhibitions, and culinary festivals throughout the four-day event.
The Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, will officiate the opening at the Kuching South City Council Auditorium. Key highlights include the Special Cities Meeting, part of the official UCCN working session, and the “Plate for Purpose” charity dinner, which will feature collaborations between 10 international chefs and 10 Sarawakian chefs, blending global creativity with local traditions.
Visitors will also be able to explore the UCCN Pavilion, showcasing culinary offerings from 20 UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy worldwide. The pavilion aims to celebrate the diversity of global food traditions while further promoting Kuching’s unique gastronomic identity.
Abdul Karim stressed that hosting the assembly will position Kuching as a leading creative city in Southeast Asia, boosting its international visibility and cultural tourism appeal. He added that the event represents not only a significant achievement for Kuching, but also a proud moment for Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole.
The gathering is expected to leave a lasting legacy by fostering long-term collaborations and reinforcing Kuching’s role as a hub for creative and sustainable gastronomy.
