World Creativity and Innovation Day 21 April

Creativity and innovation in problem-solving

There may be no universal understanding of creativity. The concept is open to interpretation from artistic expression to problem-solving in the context of economic, social and sustainable development. Therefore, the United Nations designated 21 April as World Creativity and Innovation Day to raise the awareness of the role of creativity and innovation in all aspects of human development.

Wealth of Nations

Creativity and innovation, at both the individual and group levels, have become the true wealth of nations in the 21st century, 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

UNESCO’s International Fund for Culture and Diversity funds indigenous filmmakers in Brazil.

 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, dialogue, and understanding between peoples.

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.

Call to creatives

United Nations global call out to creatives - help stop the spread of COVID-19 *

* Links to external websites are provided for information only. The United Nations is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Documents

• World Creativity and Innovation Day (A/RES/71/284) 
• 2021: International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development (A/RES/74/198)
• Culture and Sustainable Development (A/74/286)
• Science, technology, and innovation for development (E/RES/2019/25)
• UNESCO: United Nations Creative Economy Report 2013 
• UNCTAD: Creative Economy Outlook

Related websites

• UNESCO: Protecting Our Heritage and Fostering Creativity
• UNESCO Creative Cities Network
• UNCTAD Creative Economy Network
• United Nations Technology Innovation Labs
• World Intellectual Property Organization