UNDP is holding a series of expert meetings on the development of creative industries in the regions of Kazakhstan

November 13, 2023

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan is organizing regional expert meetings on the development of the creative industries in Kazakhstan. The first meeting took place at the youth centre "Zhastar Ortalygy" in the city of Kyzylorda. The creative event brought together more than 50 participants, including youth, entrepreneurs, state and quasi-state organizations that support the development of the creative sector.

The aim of the meetings is to conduct an analysis of regional creative ecosystems, identify factors influencing their development, determine the needs and visions of creative representatives of various groups in the further development of the creative sector in the regions, analyze the level of knowledge of interested parties about current national and regional initiatives for the development of the creative industries and formulate proposals for adapting existing and developing new sector-specific programmes.

The cultural and creative industries have a significant impact on the global economy. They generate 3.1 percent of global GDP and provide jobs for 6.2 percent of the working population. In 2020, this sector accounted for 2.67 percent of Kazakhstan's GDP. Currently, 95,000 people work in this sector in Kazakhstan, and the total investment in fixed capital amounts to about 33.3 billion tenge. The development of this sector, including the establishment of creative centres and support for creative entrepreneurs, has the potential not only to boost economic development in Kazakhstan, but also to unleash the nation's intellectual and creative capabilities to their full potential.

"Today, the development of the creative industries is an important driver of innovation and sustainable economic growth, enriching cultural heritage and opening up new horizons for talent. The UN Development Programme in Kazakhstan is actively contributing to the promotion of this sector, which has an impact not only on economic prosperity, but also on expanding the potential of the people of Kazakhstan,"

noted Katarzyna Wawiernia, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan.

The creative expert events are part of the UNDP Kazakhstan Accelerator Lab’s broader efforts to support the development of a knowledge-based economy. The first regional expert meeting took place in Kyzylorda region, the next three will be held in the cities of Semey (21 November), Almaty (24 November) and Astana (5 December). As part of the expert meetings, workshops are planned for the participants on the use of digital solutions in creative professions to improve marketing, positioning in digital media and branding.