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LOCAL Thursday 22 OcTOber 2020

Recovery through Creativity and Innovation

vation, at both the individual and utes to building open, inclusive
ORANJESTAD — Recovery is important for survival. The COVID-19 pan- group levels, have become the and pluralistic societies. Both heri-
demic has devastated the world and crippled developing communi- true wealth of nations in the 21st tage and creativity lay the foun-
ties. Complete recovery on all fronts is what our focus should be on. century, according to the findings dations for vibrant, innovative and
Recovery in regaining peace of mind, recovery in diversifying our of the special edition of the Cre- prosperous knowledge societies.
economy, recovery in increasing the health and well-being of our ative Economy Report “Widening UNESCO is convinced that no de-
people, recovery in providing our children the education and social local development pathways”. velopment can be sustainable
interaction they need to develop, recovery in being able to see our Creativity and innovation is what without a strong culture compo-
loved ones and spending time with each other. Recovery of this pan- we can describe entrepreneurs to nent. Indeed, only a human-cen-
demic will be a challenge, but we cannot push it aside, because it will be. According to Atwater (2020) tered approach to development
cost us too much. Recovery will require us to be creative and to in- “entrepreneurial leaders share based on mutual respect and
novate. It will but, how can Aruba leverage in this technological world three defining traits that make open dialogue among cultures
we live in? them different from other lead- can lead to lasting, inclusive and
ers: they are amazing risk man- equitable results. Yet until recently,
Many studies confirm the breakthrough role of creativity throughout agers, they are great uncertainty culture has been missing from the
this pandemic. The use of creativity in how we deal with the crisis on a navigators, and they thrive in ex- development equation. To ensure
personal level, academic level, business level, and governance level ploring ambiguity. Consequently, that culture takes it rightful place
reached new levels. New levels that require we think outside the box entrepreneurial leaders can in- in development strategies and
to solve everyday issues and help us transition to this new normal. Cre- novate their way into the future”. processes, UNESCO has adopted
ativity builds resilience especially in helping local NGOs and local en- What happens to entrepreneurs a three-pronged approach: it
trepreneurs adapt to the current and upcoming changes posed by who are in a society that does not spearheads worldwide advoca-
COVID-19 and help deal with the increased socio-economic need leverage on culture, technology cy for culture and development,
within our society. Today we will focus on how creativity can help Aru- and or creativity? Think about it. while engaging with the interna-
ban neighborhoods and communities not only overcome, but recov- tional community to set clear poli-
er. cies and legal frameworks and
working on the ground to support
There may be no universal understanding of creativity. The concept governments and local stake-
is open to interpretation from artistic expression to problem-solving in Creativity and Culture holders to safeguard heritage,
the context of economic, social and sustainable development. There- strengthen creative industries and
fore, the United Nations designated 21 April as World Creativity and In today’s interconnected world, encourage cultural pluralism.
Innovation Day to raise the awareness of the role of creativity and culture’s power to transform so-
innovation in all aspects of human development. Creativity and inno- cieties is clear. Creativity contrib- Continued on Page 10