21 April - World Creativity and Innovation Day

On April 21, 2002, for the first time, a festival of creativity and innovation was held in an organized manner, which was celebrated in more than 50 countries around the world. In April 2017, the UN General Assembly, emphasizing the possibilities of creativity and innovation in various fields of human activity on the way to achieving the goals set by the Sustainable Development Program, adopted a resolution, according to which the World Creativity and Innovation Day was established, celebrated from now on every year on 21 April.

The initiators and activists of the establishment of the Day associate the date of its celebration with the International Day of Mother Earth, celebrated on April 22, as well as with the birthday of the great scientist, thinker and inventor Leonardo da Vinci, celebrated on April 15, preceding the holiday. In the first case, the connection indicates the possibilities of creativity and innovation in the creation and preservation of our common home - the Earth, and in the second case, the contribution of the great inventor to the development of science and creative processes.

It should also be emphasized here that on the way to the official status of a UN holiday, the Day of Creativity and Innovation began to be celebrated during the week preceding April 21, and the celebration of the World Week began on April 15 on the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci.

There is no universal definition of what creativity is. It can be both creative self-expression and a way of solving problems in the economic or social sphere or in the field of sustainable development.

By establishing a new holiday, the United Nations sought to draw the attention of representatives of authorities, science and technology, education systems to the development of creative thinking, creating conditions for the implementation of all kinds of innovations and their implementation in various spheres of human life. This, from the point of view of the UN, is an important factor in the successful sustainable development of mankind and a way to overcome many problems, including those of a global nature, facing the world.

Thanks to the introduction of advanced technologies, many of which are the product of creativity and innovation, conditions are being created to improve living standards in all corners of the globe. Economic innovation contributes to the development of economic potential, which should provide a solution to the problems associated with poverty and hunger.

The creative economy, which includes audiovisual and publishing, design and fine arts, new media, performing arts, is one of the dynamic sectors of the world economy in terms of income generation, job creation and export earnings. Culture is a key component of sustainable development and is a source of identity, innovation and creativity at both the individual and group levels. At the same time, creativity and culture have a significant impact on inclusive social development, dialogue and mutual understanding.

In its resolutions and reports dedicated to the memorable date of the United Nations celebrated on April 21, it is constantly emphasized that the development of science, technology and innovation should be inclusive and serve the benefit of humanity, focusing on its interests.

State structures should allocate certain amounts from the budget for the development of technologies and innovation, as well as for the promotion of creativity, and business could also make this area one of their areas of investment.

Uzukjemal ANNAMYRADOVA,

A student of the Institute of International 

relations of the Ministry of Foreign 

Affairs of Turkmenistan.