Creative Central Asia Bishkek Forum 2021

4th Networking Meeting of Experts from the Creative Industries in Central Asia

The 4th edition of Creative Central Asia (Bishkek Forum) took place online in March 2021. It was organised by the Creative Central Asia Network (CCAN) in partnership with the ololo group of companies (Kyrgyzstan) and supported by the British Council.

The year 2021 was declared International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development by UNESCO. To contribute to the 2021 agenda, the following Sustainable Development Goals were included in the discussions and open calls:

  • Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
  • Goal 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all.
  • Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
  • Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
  • Goal 17: Revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development.

In February and March 2021, a working group consisting of specialists from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan – with the support of British expert John Newbigin – created a model road map for the development of a creative economy, which is relevant primarily for post-Soviet countries of Central Asia. The road map was presented on 30 March 2021, the final day of the Creative Central Asia Forum.