The United Nations (UN) annually observes the World Creativity and Innovation Day (WCID) on 21 April to raise global awareness about the importance of creativity and innovation in fostering human development and achieving sustainable growth.
- The day encourages individuals, institutions, and governments to adopt innovative approaches that support economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability, thereby advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Background:
i.Resolution Adopted: On 27 April 2017, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/71/284, officially proclaiming 21 April as WCID.
ii.First Observed: 21 April 2018 after the UN recognition.
iii.Global Participation: Celebrated in 50+ countries, including India, the United States of America(USA) and European Union(EU) nations.
World Creativity & Innovation Week (WCIW):
i.Duration: 15–21 April 2025 (aligns with Leonardo da Vinci’s birth anniversary on 15 April).
ii.Focus: Promotes Sustainable Development Goals(SDG) 8 (economic growth), SDG 9 (industry innovation), and SDG 12 (sustainable consumption).
Objectives:
The WCID is observed to promote the following key objectives:
i.To raise awareness about the significant role of creativity and innovation in advancing human development at both individual and collective levels.
ii.To emphasize the importance of creativity and innovation as effective tools in problem-solving, particularly in the areas of economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainable development.
Key Facts:
i.Culture and creativity contribute to 3.1% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
ii.These sectors represent 6.2% of all employment worldwide.
iii.The export value of cultural goods and services doubled between 2005 and 2019, reaching USD 389.1 billion.
iv.Despite its growth, the creative economy remains one of the most vulnerable sectors due to limited public and private investment.
Global Outlook on Innovation:
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in its Technology and Innovation Report 2023 emphasizes the urgency for:
- Aligning environmental, science, technology, innovation, and industrial policies.
- Ensuring that developing countries are not left behind in adopting green technologies, which are essential for low-carbon economic growth.
About the United Nations (UN):
Secretary-General– António Guterres
Headquarters– New York, the United States of America(USA)
Established – 1945.
