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WORLD CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION DAY
The mission (or objective or inspiration) of World Creativity and Innovation Day (#WCID), an initiative by the UN, is to encourage creative multidisciplinary thinking to help us achieve the sustainable future we want. #WCID was first commemorated in more than 50 countries around the world on April 21, 2002. In 2006, #WCID became a week (#WCIW April 15 to 21) to give people ample time to explore diverse points of view. April 15, the first day of #WCIW, is also the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci, an icon of cross-disciplinary creativity in the arts and sciences, who exemplified how these fields can inform and enhance each other.
WEALTH OF NATIONS
The true wealth of nations in the 21st century arises from creativity and innovation, at both the individual and group levels, according to the findings of the special edition of the Creative Economy Report “Widening Local Development Pathways,” co-published by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) through the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC).
CREATIVITY AND CULTURE
The creative economy, which includes audiovisual products, design, new media, performing arts, publishing, and visual arts, is a highly transformative sector of the world economy in terms of income generation, job creation, and export earnings. Culture is an essential component of sustainable development and represents a source of identity, innovation, and creativity for the individual and community. At the same time, creativity and culture have a significant non-monetary value that contributes to inclusive social development and to dialogue and understanding between people.
ECONOMIC GROWTH STRATEGIES
Cultural and creative industries should be part of economic growth strategies, according to the UNESCO report on culture and sustainable development. These industries are among the most dynamic sectors in the world economy, generating $2.25 billion in revenue and 29.5 million jobs worldwide. In that spirit, countries are harnessing the potential of high-growth areas of the market for economic returns and poverty alleviation.
NEW MOMENTUM
On #WCID, the world is invited to embrace the idea that innovation is essential for harnessing the economic potential of nations. Innovation, creativity, and mass entrepreneurship can provide new momentum for economic growth and job creation. It can expand opportunities for everyone, including women and youth. It can provide solutions to some of the most pressing problems such as poverty eradication and the elimination of hunger.
