Launch of International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development 2021

The UN International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development 2021 is launched. The programme includes various events around the world, coordinated by UNCTAD and partners, including the 2nd World Conference on Creative Economy, held in Indonesia in May.

In 2019 at the 74th session of the UN General Assembly, 2021 was declared the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development. Indonesia was the main sponsor of the proposal, which was presented by a global grouping of countries, including Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Philippines and Thailand.

The proposal recognised the need to promote sustained and inclusive economic growth, foster innovation and provide opportunities, benefits and empowerment for all and respect for all human rights. 

It also identified the ongoing need to support developing countries and countries with economies in transition in diversifying production and exports, including in new sustainable growth areas, including creative industries.

It encourages all to observe the year in accordance with national priorities to raise awareness, promote cooperation and networking, encourage sharing best practices and experiences, enhance human resource capacity, promote an enabling environment at all levels as well as tackle the challenges of the creative economy. 

READ MORE about the initiative

REGISTER for the programme launch online on 25 January 13:00 - 15:00 hrs

Among the programme highlights for the Year:

January: Launch of the book: Creativity, Culture and Capital: Impact investing in the global creative economy - held online by Fundacion Compromiso, Nesta and Upstart Co-Lab, in partnership with UNCTAD.

May: 2nd World Conference on Creative Economy to be held in Bali, Indonesia

October: Ad hoc Expert Meeting on Creative Economy and Sustainable Development to be held in Geneva and online