KUCHING: Miri aims to be nominated as a Unesco Creative City of Literature by next year, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said Miri's aspiration was underpinned by the city's multiculturalism, reflected in its many indigenous communities, languages, traditions and stories.
He said Miri also had strong institutions and partners, including Miri City Council, Sarawak State Library, universities, schools, writers, publishers and cultural organisations.
"The objective should not simply be to obtain an international title. More importantly, the journey should strengthen Miri's literary ecosystem and create opportunities for local communities," he told a press conference here on Tuesday (Sept 8).
Abdul Karim said his ministry fully supported Miri's bid for Unesco recognition, which he hoped would be achieved within the next year.
He said the recognition would help preserve and promote Sarawak's languages and literary traditions, besides complementing Miri's tourism appeal.
"We can explore literary trails, heritage storytelling, festivals, author residencies, cultural exchanges and other forms of literary tourism," he said.
In line with this, Abdul Karim said the upcoming Sarawak Literature Festival (SLF) 2026 would be an important platform in Miri's journey towards Unesco recognition.
The festival, to be held in Miri on Sept 23-27, brings together writers, publishers, educators, libraries, students, cultural practitioners and creative industry players to celebrate Sarawak's literature, indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage.
Miri City Council is leading the city's aspiration to pursue Unesco recognition, intending to progress towards the 2027 nomination cycle.
A dossier and four-year action plan are expected to be ready by the first half of next year, with validation and nomination readiness targeted by the end of next year.
