World Creativity And Innovation Day

“Creativity & innovation are needed to tackle the world's biggest challenges, from the climate crisis to gender empowerment, from poverty to inequalities.”- United Nations. The creative economy has no single definition. It is an evolving concept which builds on the interplay between human creativity and ideas and intellectual property, knowledge and technology. Essentially it is the knowledge-based economic activities upon which the ‘creative industries’ are based. The concept is open to interpretation from creative expression to problem-solving in the context of economic, social and sustainable development. As a result the United Nations designated 21 April as World Creativity and Innovation Day to raise awareness of the role of creativity and innovation in all aspects of human development. The United Nations adds that creative industries include audiovisual products, design, new media, performing arts, publishing and visual arts are 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, to dialogue and understanding between peoples. Today, the creative industries are among the most dynamic areas in the world economy providing new opportunities for developing countries to catapult into emerging high-growth areas of the world economy. Reshaping Polices for Creativity. Culture and creativity account for 3.1% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 6.2% of all employment. Exports of cultural goods and services doubled in value from 2005 to reach US$389.1 billion in 2019. Besides being one of the youngest and fastest growing economic sectors in the world, new and ongoing challenges also make the creative economy one of the most vulnerable sectors that is often overlooked by public and private investment. Achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the most ambitious development agenda in human history. The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. The SDG's address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. The 17 Goals are all interconnected, and in order to leave no one behind, it is important that we achieve them all by 2030. Without a doubt this requires both creativity and innovation. Green technologies are those used to produce goods and services with smaller carbon footprints are growing and providing increasing economic opportunities but many developing countries could miss them without decisive action. What is Green Technology?. As concerns about climate change become more pressing, the need to advance green technology has never been greater. For sustainable investors and impact investors alike, now is a pivotal time to make an investment in green technology that will both ensure future economic success while significantly reducing our carbon footprint. Green technology encompasses a wide range of practices and approaches to protect and preserve our natural resources. This includes developing products, services, and processes that are more energy and resource-efficient, as well as reducing waste and harmful emissions. Green technology is based on key principles such as pollution reduction, energy conservation, and sustainability. The following are five of the most promising green technologies to consider as investment opportunities. Renewable Energy: Investing in solar, wind, hydroelectric, or geothermal energy projects, as well as companies involved in manufacturing renewable energy equipment. Energy Efficiency: Supporting companies that develop energy-efficient technologies for buildings, industrial processes, and transportation. Sustainable Agriculture: Investing in agricultural technologies that promote efficient resource utilization, reduce chemical inputs, and enhance sustainable farming practices. Waste Management and Recycling: Backing companies involved in waste-to-energy projects, recycling technologies, and sustainable waste management solutions and Water Conservation: Investing in companies or projects that focus on water conservation and management can play a crucial role in addressing water scarcity challenges. Green Economy in the Caribbean and Latin America. The Caribbean has long been dependent on fossil fuels to power its economies and meet its energy needs. However, the adverse environmental impacts of fossil fuel consumption coupled with the increasing global focus on combating climate change have prompted many countries in the region to shift towards green energy alternatives. While this welcome shift offers several benefits, it also presents challenges that must be carefully considered. According to the Inter- American Development Bank (IDB) digitalization, technological advancements, the growing demand for social and economic development in the region, and globally competitive energy are all driving the energy sector's pivotal transformation in Latin America and the Caribbean. This shift occurs amid diverse energy matrices, including traditional and renewable sources, with areas boasting the highest quality solar and wind resources, among the world's highest oil and gas reserve-to-production ratios, and abundant reserves of essential minerals like copper and lithium, crucial for the transition (to sustainable energies). The IDB adds that the threefold growth in energy demand anticipated by 2050 underscores the urgency to accelerate renewable adoption while maintaining a balance in traditional energy and mining development. Oil and gas remain economic pillars, but sustained growth in renewables signifies a shift towards a more sustainable future. Brazil is leading this transformation with renewable energy powering more than 50% of domestic consumption. The energy transition presents significant job creation opportunities in clean energy, with an estimated 15 million "green jobs" by 2030. Tools like Artificial Intelligence will undoubtedly enhance efficiency and sustainability in energy generation, storage, and distribution. Accelerating the liberalization of the energy sector, a work in progress, is crucial to hastening the transition, adding depth to the energy market, and generating a wide array of products and services. The Caribbean Climate Innovation Centre (CCIC), the Jamaica-based Scientific Research Council and Trinidad and Tobago-based Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI), have been functioning as an incubator for businesses solving climate change problems as well as the promotion of investment in green technology in the region. Engendering a Culture of Creativity and Innovation Unfortunately, even with all the innovative work being done in the Caribbean there is still a disconnect between what transpires daily in regional education systems that serves to stifle the creativity of our students. The administrations of schools across the region are very much curtailed regarding the national curriculum. As a region we are too focused on getting students to pass examinations. Regrettably, this rigid approach to education extinguishes the creative juices among our student population. A new approach is needed to spark creativity and innovation among our students. At the secondary level each institution should have a centre of Innovation and Creativity rooted in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Such centers should be infused into the daily offerings of each institution in order to inculcate a culture of creativity and innovation. Extracurricular courses such as Robotics and Animation should be available to all students not just to those students who attend the more sought after schools. We need a revolution of the education systems of Caribbean societies in order to fuel creativity. . It is therefore critical that regional governments revisit their examination systems and make the necessary changes for a more responsive system to meet the needs of the 21st century learner. On this World Creativity and Innovation Day let us be mindful that human creativity and innovation, at both the individual and group levels, have become the true wealth of nations in the twenty-first century. In the words of John Doerr, green technologies, going green is bigger than the internet. It could be the biggest economic opportunity of the 21st century. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #WorldCreativityandInnovationDay #WCID