Ottawa, Canada – June 19, 2024
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) recently held an insightful seminar titled “Imagineering: Using Creative Industry Research to Devise Development Strategies,” during its Annual Meeting in Ottawa. This event aimed to showcase the vital role of cultural and creative industries in fostering sustainable development within the Caribbean.
With the Caribbean facing unique economic challenges, the seminar emphasized how sectors such as music, art, fashion, and multimedia can drive innovation and job creation. Mr. O’Reilly Lewis, CDB’s Director of Projects (Ag), highlighted that while these industries significantly contribute to the economy, their potential often goes unrecognized or undervalued. “This seminar will spotlight pioneering research that quantifies the creative sector’s impacts and how those insights can drive sustainable growth strategies across the region,” he stated.
A panel of experts, including Dr. Marsha Cadogan, an Intellectual Property Law Specialist, and Dr. Marcus Goffe, a former Deputy Director of the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office, presented data revealing the substantial contributions of copyright-based industries to national GDP and employment. They discussed initial findings regarding how public development banks can enhance their engagement with arts and culture to meet economic, social, and environmental goals.
The CDB also aims to address how cultural and creative industries can promote social stability and economic opportunities, thus contributing to resilience and prosperity in the region. Lisa Harding, Head of CDB’s Private Sector Division, emphasized the potential for these industries to accelerate progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals through innovative policies and investment strategies.
The seminar is part of the CDB’s broader initiative to facilitate cross-sector dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders in the Caribbean, reinforcing the need for smart policies that leverage the creative sector for sustainable development.
For more details on the CDB and its initiatives, visit Caribbean Development Bank.
