It represents approximately 3% of the world's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) but is arguably worth much more when cultural value is added to its commercial earnings.

The UN resolution recognizes that the creative economy has the potential to help developing countries and countries with economies in transition diversify production and exports and achieve sustainable development in an inclusive and equitable manner.

However, when the International Year was approved, no one could have known that a few months later the whole world would be paralyzed by a pandemic whose consequences are still uncertain. The coronavirus has dealt a terrible blow to the creative industries, which employ more than 30 million people worldwide, mostly young people.

Estimates indicate that by 2020 the cancellation of public events has cost artists approximately 30% of global royalties, while the global film industry has lost US$7 billion in revenue.

As a result, UNESCO launched the global movement "ResiliArt", a worldwide platform of virtual dialogues in which more than a thousand artists and cultural professionals from all over the world participated, sharing their experiences, and also formulating recommendations for the creative and cultural sector to emerge stronger and more united from the current crisis.

Human innovation and creativity are the fundamental drivers of these industries and have become the true wealth of 21st century nations. Unleashing the potential of the creative economy therefore involves promoting the overall creativity of societies, affirming the distinctive identity of the places where it thrives and clusters, improving the quality of life wherever it exists, and enhancing local image and prestige.

Translated by: A.M