Sheikha Latifa Unveils Global Report On Future Of Education In The Creative Economy At World Cities Culture Summit

H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, introduced the 2024 ‘Future of Education in the Creative Economy’ global report at the World Cities Culture Summit. This event, held from 30th October to 1st November, marks its debut in the MENA region. The summit's theme, "Tomorrow’s Culture: How Will the Next Generation Shape Our World?", gathered representatives from over 36 cities to discuss enhancing the creative economy and cultural industries.

The report aligns with Dubai’s vision for knowledge-driven progress and sustainable development. Sheikha Latifa stated, "This report marks a significant step forward, underpinning the vital role of education in advancing cultural and creative industries. It highlights the direct link between investing in education and fostering a sustainable creative economy, encouraging the creation of a dynamic ecosystem that empowers our youth, inspires them to pursue their dreams, and strengthens the global cultural and creative landscape."

Sheikha Latifa emphasised early childhood education's importance for long-term child development. The report advocates a comprehensive approach to nurturing creativity across various fields. It calls for collaboration among educational institutions, cultural organisations, government bodies, and industries. Additionally, it stresses empowering women within the creative economy to ensure an inclusive future.

The summit featured a session led by Ebrahim Vahed from Dinar Standards on this report. Panellists included Hala Badri from Dubai Culture; Aisha Miran from KHDA; Mohammed Abdullah from DIDI; Dr. Faisal Alayyan from Higher Colleges of Technology; Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash from Dubai Culture; and Janet Belloto from Zayed University. They explored how education impacts cultural and creative industries while supporting broader development goals.

The report provides an analysis of education's role in driving the creative economy. In 2022, cultural and creative industries generated US$2.3 trillion in revenue, comprising 6.1% of the global economy. These sectors also accounted for 6.2% of global employment, with significant participation from individuals aged 15 to 29.

By 2030, these industries are projected to grow by 40%, adding over 8 million new jobs globally. Current spending on education within this sector is about US$135.2 billion and is expected to reach US$174.6 billion by 2027 at a compound annual growth rate of 6.6%. However, there remains a gap between academic learning and practical applications.

Recommendations for Future Growth

The report suggests governments streamline regulations and enhance intellectual property protections to support this fast-evolving sector. Strategic recommendations include integrating skills like marketing and digital literacy into curricula while updating them according to industry needs.

Governments are advised to establish policies focusing on early childhood development and investment in educational infrastructure. They should also ease access to financial support for learners and creative enterprises while creating collaborative programmes that bolster cultural industries.

The summit aims to highlight these findings through discussions organised by Dubai Culture, supporting governments and stakeholders in strengthening the creative economy via strategic educational investments.

With inputs from WAM