International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development, 2021 A/RES/74/198 Acknowledging that innovation is essential for harnessing the economic potential of each nation and the importance of supporting mass entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, which create new momentum for economic growth and job creation and expand opportunities for all, including women and youth, Recognizing the role of the creative economy in creating full and productive employment and decent work, supporting entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, encouraging the formalization and growth of micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises, stimulating innovation, empowering people, promoting social inclusion, and reducing poverty, Highlighting that the creative economy encourages creativity and innovation in attaining inclusive, equitable and sustainable growth and development, while facilitating life transitions and supporting women, youth, migrants and older persons, as well as empowering people in vulnerable situations, Stressing the importance of appropriate national policies aimed at promoting the diversity of cultural expression and advancing creativity for sustainable development, Emphasizing the resilient growth in international trade in creative industries, including the trade of creative goods and services, and its contribution to the global economy, and recognizing the economic and cultural values of the creative economy, Reaffirming that all workers should have access to lifelong learning and that all learners should acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, the promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and the appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development, Recognizing the need to optimize the economic, social and cultural benefits stemming from the creative economy by creating an enabling environment for the promotion of the creative economy, such as the development of digital technology, innovative and digital economy, e-commerce, building relevant digital infrastructure and connectivity for supporting sustainable development, increased public and private sector investment in creative industries and the development of relevant legal frameworks, Stressing that the creative economy can contribute to the three dimensions of sustainable development and the achievement of the 2030 Agenda, including by fostering economic growth and innovation, eradicating poverty, creating full and productive employment and decent work for all, improving the quality of life and empowerment of women and young people and reducing inequality within and among countries, Stressing the importance of regular, reliable and comparable data on the contribution of the creative economy to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, 1. Decides to declare 2021 the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development; 2. Encourages all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system and other international and regional organizations, as well as civil society, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, academics and individuals, to observe the International Year in an appropriate manner and in accordance with national priorities, in order to raise awareness, promote cooperation and networking, 19-22410 3/4