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LOCAL Thursday 7 January 2021

The United Nations:

“2021, International

Year of Creative

Economy for Sustainable

Development”

ORANJESTAD — For all creatives around the world and
Aruba, this new year starts with a bang as the United Na-
tions declares 2021 the International Year of Creative
Economy for Sustainable Development. This decision orig-
inated on November 8th 2019 at the 74th session of the UN
General Assembly (Full UN article available: https://un-
docs.org/A/C.2/74/L.16/Rev.1). Back then COVID-19 was
still not declared a global pandemic and since then the
corona virus amongst many other economies has det- technology, as well as cul- the meantime has identi- cooperation of 3 different
rimentally impacted the Creative Industries around the tural values or artistic, cul- fied the Creative Industry ministries (tourism; econo-
world, leaving it and its professionals completely vulner- tural heritage and other as a prospective economy my and culture; and envi-
able and fragmented. However, with this new light shining individual or collective cre- for a diversified econom- ronment and infrastructure)
on the Creative Industries, the aim is to find innovative ative expressions. ic future. However, now with the hopes of stimulat-
solutions and opportunities for developing countries like that the United Nations ing creative, recreative
Aruba to empower its people and to recover economic 2. Acknowledging that cre- has declared this year as and cultural activities that
impact post-covid. ative industries can help to the year for creative ser- will have a socio-economic
foster positive externalities vices, creative economic impact on the island. Some
Interestingly, the Eastern World is catching up on the Cre- while preserving and pro- growth, creative jobs, cre- of these activities include
ative Industry train and according to UNCTAD (2020) “In- moting cultural heritages ative development, cre- beach galleries, arts and
donesia was the main sponsor of the proposal, which was and diversity, as well as en- ative export, and creative crafts galleries located at
presented by a global grouping of countries, including hance developing coun- innovation for developing the Aruban beaches that
Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Philippines tries’ participation in and countries; where will Aruba reflect Caribbean history
and Thailand. The proposal recognized the need to pro- benefit from new and dy- stand? and culture, especially that
mote sustained and inclusive economic growth, foster namic growth opportuni- On Monday, the Prime Min- specific Aruban amenity.
innovation and provide opportunities, benefits and em- ties in world trade. ister of Aruba announced
powerment for all and respect for all human rights. that 2021 will be the year While listening to this press
3. Recommitting to sustain- of recovery. Undeniably, conference, I felt a bit dis-
It also identified the ongoing need to support develop- ing and supporting devel- considering the devas- appointed that we are still
ing countries and countries with economies in transition oping countries’ econo- tating impact Covid-19 is trying to reinvent a wheel
in diversifying production and exports, including in new mies to transition progres- continuing to leave on the that is waiting and ready
sustainable growth areas, including creative industries. It sively to higher productivity world, recovery seems ex- to be implemented, and
encourages all to observe the year in accordance with through high-value-added actly what we should aim that wheel has a name:
national priorities to raise awareness, promote coopera- sectors, by promoting di- for moving forward. None- THE ARUBAN CREATIVE IN-
tion and networking, encourage sharing best practices versification, technologi- theless, to my surprise the DUSTRIES. It feels as though
and experiences, enhance human resource capacity, cal upgrading, research Prime Minister presented a walking in circles and com-
promote an enabling environment at all levels as well as and innovation, including new policy plan titled “Aru- ing up with new unknown
tackle the challenges of the creative economy” (https:// the creation of quality, de- ba Outdoor Amenity Econ- economies while we have
unctad.org). cent and productive jobs, omy”. She further explains prospective economies in
including through the pro- that a small committee the pipeline just eager to
By focusing this year on the Creative Industry, the United motion of cultural and cre- was in charge of bringing be developed. This not only
Nations General Assembly sheds light on persisting need ative industries, sustainable new ideas, out of the box further confuses people,
to promote sustained and inclusive economic growth, tourism, performing arts ideas that could contrib- but is just not necessary.
foster innovation and provide opportunities, benefits and and heritage conservation ute to Aruba innovating its The Creative Industries is
empowerment for all and respect for all human rights. By activities, among others. economy. With the Aruba a umbrella industry for a
recognizing, acknowledging, and recommitting to inno- Outdoor Amenity Econo- collection of smaller niche
vation through creative and cultural output and knowl- Aruba and the creative in- my, the government wants economies that rely on cre-
edge-based output we ensure equitable development. dustries to create a new econom- ative content, products,
This would mean: The development of the ic pillar based on natural, and services, which have
1. Recognizing that the creative economy, known as the Aruban CCI has been a cultural and monumental economic, social and cul-
“orange economy” in a number of countries, involves, lengthy process. Aruba amenities Aruba has to of- tural impacts on society.
knowledge-based economic activities and the interplay has yet to formalize its Cre- fer. This policy and strategic
between human creativity and ideas, knowledge and ative Industry, however in plan will be implemented in Continued on Page 10