- Karnataka capital Bengaluru has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian city to join the prestigious World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF).
- The World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF) is a global network of cities that collaboratively research and share intelligence to explore the important role of culture in shaping future prosperity.
- Bengaluru is the 41st city to join WCCF, which already includes 40 cities across six continents such as New York, London, Paris, Tokyo and Dubai.
- In the past year, the cultural essence of Bengaluru has been showcased through multimedia assets by WCCF as part of a collaborative project called ‘Unboxing Bangalore’.
World Cities Culture Forum
- WCCF was established in 2012.
- Justin Simmons, the Deputy Mayor of London for Culture and Creative Industries, was instrumental in its setting up.
- In 2015, Queen Elizabeth recognized Justin Simmons’ significant contribution to culture in London.
- As a token of appreciation, Justin Simmons was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE).