The “International Gastronomy Forum, Macao” was held yesterday at the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf Convention and Exhibition Centre in Nape, bringing together representatives from nearly 50 member cities of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) to explore how collaboration across culinary culture and other fields can drive sustainable urban development.
Organised by the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO), the forum is a key highlight of the “2026 International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, Macao”. The forum gathered representatives from 38 Creative Cities of Gastronomy across 22 countries, alongside 10 Creative Cities from other fields, as well as international organisations, scholars, industry stakeholders, and members of the public.
Under the theme “Creative Fusion: Reimagining Gastronomy Beyond the Plate”, yesterday’s discussions focused on how culinary culture can intersect with sectors such as culture, tourism, media and design to shape more inclusive and innovative urban futures. The forum also served as a platform for exchange and cooperation, aiming to reinforce Macau’s positioning as a World Centre for Tourism and Leisure.
In her opening remarks, MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said the forum continued to promote preservation and innovation in gastronomy, with the goal of strengthening collaboration among Creative Cities. She noted that since Macau’s designation as a Creative City of Gastronomy in 2017, it has expanded its international engagement and fostered new opportunities across creative sectors, adding that preparations are underway for the 10th anniversary of the designation in 2027.
Meanwhile, UCCN Secretary Denise Bax highlighted the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration, stating that cities must integrate culture and creativity to address modern urban challenges.
The forum featured three keynote sessions covering topics such as cross-sector collaboration in tourism, youth-led innovation in gastronomy, and digital storytelling in culinary culture. Speakers included representatives from Paris-based UNESCO, the Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the UN, and international content creators, who gave their insights into engaging communities and promoting cultural heritage through innovative approaches.
Moreover, participants from cities such as Italy’s Bergamo, Portugal’s’ Braga, Thailand’s Suphanburi and Wuhan Province exchanged ideas on integrating gastronomy with media arts, music, design and festivals to enhance urban experiences. A new addition this year, the Chinese Creative Showcase, highlighted seven Creative Cities from the Chinese mainland, demonstrating cross-sector collaboration through crafts, media arts, film, design and music, alongside culinary culture.
Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes (up) and UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) Secretary Denise Bax address yesterday’s “International Gastronomy Forum, Macao” at the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf Convention and Exhibition Centre in Nape.– Photos: Khalel Vallo
