The Creative Economy has become a strategic asset for innovative job creation around the world. Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) represent nearly 30 million jobs worldwide and are major drivers of the economies of developed and developing countries (UNESCO). CCIs contributed as much as 7% to the global GDP in 2017 and were estimated to be around 10% of the GDP in the MENA Region (World Bank). Within the CCI (mainly architecture, design, and photography), there were 1.2 million cultural enterprises, generating €193 billion of value added in the EU. It is a growing and promising industry that has become strategic, not only because of its impact on employment creation but also due to its influence on the creativity of societies and social cohesion.

As we reflect on our achievements, we recognize the persistent challenges and the necessity for collaborative solutions. These challenges encompass limited access to financial resources for creative entrepreneurs, a lack of awareness and understanding of the potential of the creative economy among policymakers, and insufficient collaboration and cooperation among various stakeholders within the creative economy.

In this context, the CREACT4MED initiative, a European project funded by the EuropeAid program, was conceived to bolster creative and cultural industries, fostering business growth and job creation. It offers support to entrepreneurs, start-ups, and SMEs, with a particular focus on assisting young people and women in the EU’s Southern Neighborhood.

About the Event

On Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 10:30 AM CET, CREACT4MED project partner BUSINESSMED, will organize the second online mainstreaming event dedicated to financial resilience in the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI). This event is part of a series of three regional events focusing on significant topics related to CCI, including sustainability and job creation, internationalization, and intellectual property rights.

Throughout these events, expert recommendations, best practices, and insights from entrepreneurs, as well as various stakeholders, especially those representing the private sector, will be considered. The goal is to develop a comprehensive and actionable regional action plan, which will be presented at the conclusion of the project.

REGISTER HERE

Agenda

Welcome and introduction:

• Mrs. Hend Mgaieth, BUSINESSMED, Project Manager
• Mrs. Afef Daoud, Regional Expert

Moderator: Mrs. Afef Daoud, Regional Expert

• Mr. Mohamed Al Khalaileh, Representative of Jordan Chamber of Industry
• Mr. Saif Aqel, Board member of Seeds for development and culture, Palestine
• Mrs. Roia Zenata, Representative of the General Confederation of Algerian Enterprises
• Mr. Rajeh Kraiem, Entrepreneur in the Media sector
• Mr. Ahmed Jaber, Representative of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists
• Dr Ayah Elarief, the Founder & CEO of Warrd and Managing Director of MENA Women Business Club

Conclusions

• Mrs. Afef Daoud, Regional Expert
• Mrs. Hend Mgaieth, BUSINESSMED, Project Manager