Since the first World Conference on Creative Economy (WCCE) in 2018, the importance of creative economy as a driver for economic development, social inclusion, intercultural dialogue, and tourism has received increasing recognition. Creative economy has featured in UN Resolutions, G20 Leaders’ Declarations, and the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework and Vision 2045.
Building on this momentum and the lessons emerging from the publication of Creative Economy 2030, Creative Economy: Our Common Future will provide a platform for improving knowledge, enhancing regional collaboration, and unlocking the socioeconomic potential of the creative economy in Asia and the Pacific. Substantive sessions will take stock of current opportunities and challenges facing the creative economy, discuss how to foster intergovernmental cooperation in the sector, showcase illustrative examples from across the region, and advance toward the next phase in the development of the creative economy.
🎯 Objectives
It seeks to cultivate collective momentum towards WCCE 2024, facilitate robust dialogue on critical challenges and priorities, leverage the diverse experiences and insights of partner countries in the realm of creative economy, and culminate in the publication of an insight report derived from seminar discussions and input contributed by all attendees.
📣 Target Participants
We welcome a diverse range of stakeholders involved in the creative economy sector, including government officials, policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, academics, researchers, and representatives from international organizations. The target audience includes participants from Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, and the Pacific region.
🗓️ Sessions
Panel 1: Creative Economy Now: An Asia-Pacific Perspective
Creative Industries/Creative Economy has gone a long way ever since the term was introduced more than 20 years ago. Various attempts have been created to solve issues within the industry, policies have been made, and programmes have been delivered. But where does the Creative Economy stand right now? Is the current model still relevant? This session will review initiatives, declarations (focusing predominantly on Bali Agenda) and insights that have been produced to re-evaluate the creative economy.
As we stand at the intersection of creativity, innovation, and economic growth, the creative economy needs to envision its future trajectory. This panel discussion also seeks to explore the untapped potential, emerging trends, and transformative pathways that lie ahead. Let us delve into the next chapter of the creative economy.
Session Chair:
Riznaldi Akbar, Senior Economist – Capacity Building and Training, ADBI
Panelists:
- Dwinita Larasati, Executive Committee, Indonesia Creative Cities Network
- Prateek Kukreja, Senior Consultant (Representing G20 Culture Working Group – Team India), EY
- Martini M. Paham, Deputy for Resources and Institutions, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia
Panel 2: Fostering Intergovernmental and Collaborative Development for Creative Industries
In order for Creative Industries to thrive, working collaboratively in various layers of the ecosystem is essential. This includes collaborative work between local government, government with private sector and local with international governments. Mentioned in the recent Impact Investing essays collection published by Creative Cultural Capital (2024), “…collaborations and connecting across sectors will empower artists and creatives and support the larger economy” highlighting the importance of collaboration and interconnectedness. However, looking back on how things are moving on the ground, does collaboration happen? How does each tone down their sectoral ego?
This session will focus on exploring best practices and discussing the suitable framework to foster intergovernmental and collaborative development for creative industries in various ways including policy creation, investment, programming, and more.
Session Chair:
Ricky Pesik, Head of Committee of Digital and Creative Economy, Indonesia Chamber of Commerce – KADIN
Panelists:
- Muhammad Neil El Himam, Deputy for Digital Economy and Creative Products, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy
- Izan Satrina Mohd Sallehuddin, Senior Director, Partnerships & Creative Sector, Think City (Malaysia)
- Summer Xia, Country Director Indonesia and Southeast Asia Lead, British Council
Panel 3: Southeast Asia Creative Economy on the Move
Southeast Asia, a region rich in cultural diversity and artistic heritage, is experiencing a burgeoning growth in its creative economy. Festivals and cultural platforms play a crucial role in this growth, serving as vital spaces for artistic expression, cultural exchange, and economic development.
However, the potential of these festivals and platforms can be further realized with more substantial support from stakeholders, including governments, private sector entities, and international organizations. By fostering an environment that supports the development and sustainability of these cultural events, stakeholders can contribute to a more vibrant and resilient creative economy in Southeast Asia.
This session aims to explore the dynamic landscape of the creative economy in Southeast Asia. This includes examining festivals and platforms created by practitioners within the region and discussing how Southeast Asian artists performing on global platforms can enhance the region’s cultural and economic position on the global stage.
Session Chair:
Dwinita Larasati, Executive Committee, Indonesia Creative Cities Network
Panelists:
- Alia Swastika, Director, Jogja Biennale Foundation
- Desy Bachir, CMO Samara Group
- Camelia Harahap, Head of Arts and Creative Industries, British Council
Mini Keynote: Climate Change and the Creative Economy
Presentation by: Andhyta F. Utami (Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Think Policy & Public Policy Specialist)
Panel 4: Creative Economy in Times of (Climate) Change
In times of environmental crisis, creative industries can play a pivotal role in raising awareness, fostering sustainable practices, and developing creative interventions that mitigate climate impacts.With its inherent capacity for innovation and engagement, Creative Economy is uniquely positioned to address this issue. From designing sustainable products and systems to creating compelling narratives that drive behavior change, the creative sector can contribute significantly to climate action.
This session aims to explore how the creative economy can lead the way in environmental sustainability, showcasing successful examples and discussing methods for evaluating its impact. By highlighting best practices and discussing robust impact evaluation frameworks, the session will emphasize the critical role of the creative economy in addressing climate change and promoting a sustainable future.
Session Chair:
Nicolas J.A. Buchoud, Senior Advisor, ADBI
Panelists:
- Trinidad Zaldivar, Chief Division of Cultural Affairs, Solidarity and Creativity, IADB
- Manish Chand, Founder-CEO and Editor-in-Chief, TGII Media Private Limited and India Writes Network
- Monica Tanuhandaru, Chairperson, Environmental Bamboo Foundation
- Chris Khoo, Managing Director MasterConsult, Singapore
Panel 5: Creative Economy: Towards 2026 and Beyond
To fully harness the potential of the creative economy, a collective approach is imperative from diverse stakeholders. The synergy between government, academia, creative practitioners, associations, and communities is essential in fostering an environment conducive to creativity, innovation, and economic prosperity. After many years of various stakeholders contributing towards the development of the Creative Economy, and with the ongoing changes within the government in various countries around South East Asia, what will be our next step? And what does the future Creative Economy will look like, especially in terms of collaborative regional initiatives?
Session Chair:
Ricky Pesik, Head of Committee of Digital and Creative Economy, Indonesia Chamber of Commerce – KADIN
Panelists:
- Jonathan Tan Ghee Tiong, Head of the Culture and Information Division, Sustainable Development Directorate, ASEAN Secretariat
- Fiki Satari, Chairman, Indonesia Creative Cities Network
- Hangjun Lee, Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange
Special Presentation by WCCE 2024
The theme of WCCE 2024 “INCLUSIVELY CREATIVE: A SHIFTED REALITY” will explore the social and economic challenges posed by rapidly advancing technologies, with a particular focus on the rise of artificial intelligence, intellectual property rights, and creative ethics. Find out more about what will be on WCCE 2024 in this special presentation session.
🫱🏻🫲🏾 Partners
- Asian Development Bank Institute (adb.org/adbi)
- Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry | Kamar Dagang dan Industri Indonesia – KADIN (kadin.id)
- Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia | Kemenparekraf (kemenparekraf.go.id)
- Asian Creative and Digital Economy Youth Summit | ACE-YS (ace-ys.org)
