High-level panel on the creative economy and industries for development

Notification

The Secretary-General´s high-level panel on the creative economy and industries for development will meet at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, on Monday, 14 January 2008, starting at 10 a.m.

Background

At UNCTAD XI, creative industries were introduced into the international economic and development agenda as one of the most dynamic sectors in the global trading system. The Conference concluded that "the international community should support national efforts of developing countries to increase their participation in and benefit from dynamic sectors and to foster, protect and promote their creative industries" (São Paulo Consensus, para. 91).

In implementing its mandate, UNCTAD has been proactive in promoting international action in the area of the creative industries, and hence in the creative economy, emphasizing their development dimension.

Participation

This policy-oriented debate will bring together policymakers from capitals, experts, practitioners and academics, as well as representatives of UNCTAD member States based in Geneva and representatives of international organizations. Given the multidisciplinary nature of the topic, the meeting is expected to attract participation from those involved in all aspects of the creative economy, particularly from the areas of culture, international trade, development, technology and investment.

Contributed papers

Experts are encouraged to prepare and submit brief papers on their studies and their country´s experience. These papers will be made available to the meeting in the form and language in which they are received.

Logistics

The meeting will take place at the United Nations Office at Geneva, Palais des Nations. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in the six official languages of the United Nations.

Upon arrival, participants are requested, before entering the Palais des Nations, to collect their badges at the United Nations Security Service, Pregny Gate entrance, 14 Avenue de la Paix. The Security Service is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Because of the security measures in force, participants are strongly advised to arrive before 9 a.m. in order to complete entry procedures in good time and proceed to the meeting in the E-Building (Bâtiment E) of the Palais. Participants are requested to carry a passport or similar national identity card with them. Taxis are not allowed to enter the grounds of the Palais des Nations, and visitors will therefore be dropped off at the entrance. Furthermore, luggage may not be brought into the buildings unless the Security Service gives special clearance.

Further information and contact details

Nominations and communications concerning representation at the meeting should be sent to the UNCTAD secretariat, Intergovernmental Affairs and Outreach Service, Palais des Nations, CH-1211 Geneva 10: fax: +41 (0)22 917 0214; e-mail: correspondenceunctad.org.

All other inquiries should be addressed to the Chief of the Creative Economy and Industries Programme, Ms. Edna dos Santos-Duisenberg: tel.: +41 (0)22 917 5779; e-mail: edna.dos.santosunctad.org; or to Ms. Clisse Medeiros Ramos: tel.: +41 (0)22 917 7535; e mail: clisse.ramosunctad.org

(signed)

Supachai Panitchpakdi
Secretary-General of UNCTAD

7 December 2007