Invest in creativity, take responsibility and let’s co-create!

I recently had the privilege of attending the World Conference on Creative Economies in Tashkent Uzbekistan (WCCE_UZ), where I participated in an engaging panel discussion on “Creative and Sustainable Visions for a World that Works for People and Planet.”

Replacing Adhlal’s founder and CDO Nourah AlFaisal – alongside insightful contributions from Helene George, who provided a cultural perspective, and Dilfuza Egamberdieva, who offered a scientific viewpoint, I highlighted the critical role of empowering the next generation of creative change-makers: today’s youth.

Here are my key messages to the youth, our future creative leaders:

◼︎ Embrace Your Roots: To build a sustainable future for both people and the planet, today’s youth must leverage their historical cultural assets. By understanding their heritage and identity, they can co-create a future that is both unique and authentic.

◼︎ Cultivate Creativity: By nurturing creativity in children as both a skillset and a mindset, we empower them to take ownership of their future. This approach helps them avoid the pitfalls left by previous generations and develop desirable, sustainable futures they value and want to sustain.

◼︎ Activate Sustainability: Sustainability should be a theme that resonates with youth of all ages. Through creative dialogues and engaging formats, we can bring the concept of sustainability to life, aligning it with their current worldviews. Planting these seeds today ensures they can reap the benefits tomorrow.

◼︎ Build Creative Capacity: Educating and inspiring youth with creative skills and a design thinking mindset transforms them into carriers of a sustainable creative economy. By building their creativecapacity today, we contribute to economic growth and societal transformation tomorrow.

◼︎ Educational Support: While educators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders play crucial roles, it’s essential for educational institutions to provide relevant guidance and create conditions for success. This support helps develop a creative ecosystem that nurtures a sustainable world for the benefit of all.

◼︎ Active Participation: Youth should not solely rely on academia, scientists, and policymakers. Their active participation in dialogues about global challenges, setting priorities, and co-creating solutions is crucial. Co-creation invites them to be part of the process, ensuring that the solutions generated are welcomed and sustainable.

My message to today’s youth (not only the amazing welcoming and curious Uzbek students that were present at WCCE):

“Invest in your creativity, take responsibility, and let’s co-create a better world.”