2021 – UN International Year of Creative Economy
The United Nations has declared 2021 the “International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development” to foster and promote sustainable economic growth.
The Creative Economy is based on knowledge, art, and technology.
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Turning Ideas Into Livelihoods
Artists and designers, entrepreneurs and knowledge workers, are all part of the creative economy. Their creativity is a renewable, sustainable resource, fueling one of the fastest growing sectors in the world.
The creative economy generates 2.25 billion USD every year—that is 3% of the world’s GDP—and provides more jobs to young people (ages 18-25) than any other sector.
Eradicating Poverty With Economic Growth
The UN General Assembly declared 2021 the “International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development” by adopting UN Resolution A/RES/74/198 on 19 December 2019.
The goal is to promote cultural and creative industries around the globe—helping developing countries to create more productive and decent jobs. The growing economy will then enable countries to eradicate poverty and create a better life for their citizens.
National and International Help
The UN itself promotes the issue within its organizations, like the UN Conference on Trade and Development, the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, and the UN Development Programme.
The UN asks nations to:
- Support innovation and mass entrepreneurship
- Promote the diversity of cultural expression
- Educate people about sustainable development
- Develop digital technology and infrastructure
Can I help, too?
You can start by promoting the issue and joining many Governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations around the world—like UNESCO or Project Interreg Europe.