World Conference on Creative Economy in Tashkent highlights the power of AI and human creativity

First launched in Indonesia in 2018, the WCCE has become a significant biennial platform where leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from various creative industries gather to discuss challenges, opportunities, and trends shaping the sector. Previous conferences were held in Dubai (2021) and Bali (2022), with each event attracting thousands of participants and paving the way for collaboration in the creative sector.

The 2024 edition has drawn high-profile figures, including British supermodel, actress, and activist Naomi Campbell, who delivered remarks during the opening ceremony, underscoring the importance of creativity as a driving force for innovation and inclusivity. The conference also featured prominent organizers such as the Art and Culture Development Foundation of Uzbekistan, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Supporting organizations included the British Council, Westminster International University in Tashkent, and the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI).

As the creative economy is projected to generate $2.3 trillion annually and account for 10% of global GDP in the next 10–15 years, the future of the sector remains a critical point of discussion. Technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), were central to the debates. Rebecca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD, emphasized AI’s potential to create jobs rather than displace them, forecasting the creation of 89 million new jobs. Goldman Sachs also highlighted that AI could contribute to 7% of global GDP growth, adding $8 trillion to the global economy.

However, the future of the creative economy is not without its challenges. Experts discussed the need for policies and frameworks to support the sector. At the request of the President of Uzbekistan, a "Law on Creative Economy" is currently being drafted to provide such support. Viren Lall, Managing Director of ChangeSchool, pointed out that traditional arts and crafts could vanish without adequate support, emphasizing AI’s potential to enhance creative education and museum experiences.

The conference also highlighted the sector's unique ability to foster inclusivity and job creation, particularly for women, rural populations, and people with disabilities. Denise Waddinham, Director of the British Council in Uzbekistan, described the creative economy as a “fantastic way to promote employment” and diversify economic opportunities.

A key topic of discussion was access to finance and technology. During the panel discussion "Creative Economies for End-Users: Investments, Finance, and IT," participants explored common challenges faced by the sector. Gayane Umerova, head of the Arts and Culture Development Foundation, stressed the importance of collaboration between the private sector and creative industries, citing successful partnerships between local artisans and female workers as examples of the creative economy’s potential.

The 4th WCCE has reinforced the idea that human creativity is a fundamental driver of economic growth and cultural development. As the global creative economy continues to evolve, platforms like the WCCE will remain essential in shaping its future and ensuring that it remains inclusive, innovative, and sustainable.