International Days and Weeks are opportunities for public education on topics of interest, mobilizing resources to address global issues, and reinforcing human achievements. International days existed even before the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN uses these occasions as a global opportunity for public awareness.
Definition of Creativity
- Creativity is the process of taking a new path or traversing a previously traveled path in a novel way.
- It involves using mental abilities to generate a thought or combine ideas and establish connections between them.
Definition of Innovation
- Innovation is the application of new ideas derived from creativity.
- In essence, innovation is the practical implementation of an idea resulting from creativity.
Difference between Creativity and Innovation
- Creativity is the generation of a new thought or idea.
- Innovation is the realization and implementation of that new thought or idea.
- Creativity is the ability to generate new ideas.
- Innovation is making those fresh ideas practical and applicable.
The United Nations has designated April 21 as World Creativity and Innovation Day.
The purpose of this day is to encourage creative thinking in society to achieve a sustainable future. According to the United Nations, innovation and creativity are becoming real wealth for every country at both individual and group levels. Innovation is the engine of the modern economy, transforming ideas and knowledge into goods and services.
World Creativity and Innovation Day: A Day for the Creative Economy
This day is also referred to as Creative Economy Day. The creative economy can include audiovisual products, design, new media, performing arts, publishing, and visual arts. According to the United Nations, this designation marks a significant shift in the global economy in terms of income generation, job creation, and increased export levels.
On the other hand, culture is considered an important tool for sustainable development, representing identity, innovation, and creativity.
World Creativity and Innovation Day was chosen based on Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday.
Some Objectives of World Creativity and Innovation Day
The main purpose of celebrating such a day is to encourage people to use new ideas, make new decisions, and think creatively because creativity and innovation are the keys to the world’s progress. World Innovation and Creativity Day encourages everyone to envision a better life and to collaborate on implementing various solutions.
- Encouraging people to use creativity in solving problems.
- Embracing efforts and ideas that can change people’s lives and bring prosperity to them.
- Promoting creative thinking to achieve a sustainable future.
Background
April 21 is recognized as World Creativity and Innovation Day on the global calendar. World Creativity and Innovation Day, or WCID, was established on May 25, 2001, by Marci Segal in Toronto, Canada. Segal wanted to encourage people to use their natural abilities to generate new ideas to make the world a better place. She also aimed to create a larger space for creativity in the world. In 2006, this day was extended to a full week. World Creativity and Innovation Week began on April 15, coinciding with Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday. On April 27, 2017, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to recognize World Creativity and Innovation Day. On April 21, 2018, the UN celebrated World Creativity and Innovation Day (WCID) for the first time.
