On April 21, 2002, for the first time, a celebration 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 areas of human activity in achieving the goals set by the Sustainable Development Program, adopted a resolution establishing World Creativity and Innovation Day, celebrated from this moment annually on April 21.
The initiators and activists of the establishment of the Day associate the date of its celebration with International Mother Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, as well as with the date of birth of the great scientist, thinker and inventor Leonardo da Vinci, celebrated on April 15, preceding the holiday. In the first case, the connection points to the possibilities of creativity and innovation in the creation and preservation of our common home – Earth, and in the second – to the contribution of the great inventor to the development of science and creative processes.
Here we should also emphasize the fact 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 World Week began on April 15 – on Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday.
There is no universal definition of what creative activity is. This can be both creative expression and a way to solve problems in the economic or social sphere or in the field of sustainable development.
By establishing a new holiday, the United Nations sought to attract the attention of representatives of authorities, science and technology, and education systems to the issue of developing 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 humanity and a way to overcome many problems, including global ones, facing the world.
Thanks to the introduction of advanced technologies, many of which are products of creativity and innovation, conditions are emerging for improving living standards in all corners of the globe. Innovation in the field of economics contributes to the development of economic potential, which should ensure the solution of problems associated with poverty and hunger.
The creative economy, which includes audiovisual and publishing products, design and visual arts, new media, performing arts, is one of the dynamic sectors of the global economy in terms of income, job creation and export profits. Culture is a key component of sustainable development and represents a source of identity, innovation and creativity at both individual and group levels. At the same time, creativity and culture have a significant impact on inclusive social development, dialogue and mutual understanding.
Its resolutions and reports on the UN commemorative date of April 21 constantly emphasize that the development of science, technology and innovation must be inclusive and serve the benefit of humanity, focusing on its interests.
Government agencies should allocate certain amounts from the budget for the development of technology and innovation, as well as to encourage creativity, and business could also make this area one of its areas of investment.