UfM Creative Economy Conference
Economic Development and Employment
Tirana, 4-6 November 2024 – The Union for the Mediterranean is partnering with the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation, the Tirana City Hall and the Young Professionals Network of Albania to organize a Conference on Creative Economy in Tirana, Albania, from November 4 to 6, 2024. This event serves as a prelude to Alexandria and Tirana becoming the first-ever Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue in 2025.
The cultural and creative sectors contribute 3.1% to global GDP and account for 6.2% of all employment, generating nearly 50 million jobs worldwide, particularly for young people (UNESCO, 2022). In 2020, creative goods and services represented 3% and 21% of total merchandise and services exports, respectively (UNCTAD, 2022).
Beyond their economic impacts, these sectors offer significant social benefits, including supporting health and well-being, promoting social inclusion, and enhancing local social capital.
The Conference will bring together experts, creative entrepreneurs, creative hubs, and representatives from public institutions and international organizations across the region. It will focus on the role of creative and cultural industries in enhancing the green transition (e.g., creative waste recycling and more sustainable consumption and production) and discuss best practices and enabling policies to support this role. Additionally, the conference will provide a space for networking and peer-to-peer learning.
On the following day, a field visit will be organized to the Creative Industries Agency, a dynamic new structure dedicated to fostering innovation in art, culture, and technology. This Agency, depending on the Municipality of Tirana, aims to promote the creative economy, empowering entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation. The field visit will provide a closer look at the Agency’s mission and the exciting initiatives currently underway, as well as those on the horizon
In this context, the UfM will sponsor the participation of a number stakeholders from the region including travel and accomodation. Selected people will be informed in due course.
