The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) is co-organising with a consortium of 13 cultural organisations, a panel discussion titled Investing in Creativity: The Future is Now, as part of the 11th European Development Days (EDD2017). Organised by the European Commission since 2006 in Brussels, the European Development Days (EDD) is a forum that gathers the development community each year to share ideas and experiences towards finding new partnerships and innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. Investing in Creativity: The Future is Now will discuss the social and economic benefits of culture for sustainable growth with, among others, H.E. Mr Mario GIRO, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Italy and Mr Jean-Louis VILLE, Acting Director of Human Development & Migration, Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, European Commission. Particular focus will rest on investments in cultural participation of citizens and the value of the fast-growing Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) sectors to GDP. This special event will take place from 9:00-10:00 am on 7 June 2017 at Room A1 at Tour & Taxis, Avenue du Port 86, B-1000 Brussels. Follow the conversation at: https://www.eudevdays.eu/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/europeaid Twitter: https://twitter.com/europeaid #EDD17 #EUDev #SDGs #development #investingindevelopment #shapethedebate