24/11/2025
The creative sector holds immense promise for economic and social empowerment. But there’s much more to do to extend its benefits to everyone, everywhere.
The creative economy by nature is an evolving concept, largely involving goods and services based on creativity and intellectual capital as primary inputs.
Some examples can be audiovisual products, design, media, music, performing arts, publishing and visual arts.
Over the last ten years, creative exports have tripled, now making up one fifth of global service exports.
A recent survey by UN Trade and Development also shows the creative economy accounting for up to 7.3% of GDP and 12.5% of workforce in countries where data is available.
As the global economy continues to reel under low growth, high debt, weak trade and investment, the creative sector has taken on heightened significance as a catalyst for innovation and economic diversification.
“In this challenging context, the creative economy is a force that is pushing us forward,” says Secretary-General Grynspan.
“Let us harness its power to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to express their creativity, contribute to their communities, and thrive in a future that is both inclusively creative and sustainably prosperous.”