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"Even before Europe was united in an economic level or was conceived at the level of economic interests and trade, it was culture that united all the countries of Europe. The arts, literature, music are the connecting link of Europe."

Dario Fo

6th Brussels Debate: Cultural diversity as a basis for creativity and innovation?

Monday, 19-10-2009

The role of cultural diversity as a basis for creativity and innovation was discussed on Thursday 15 October in the sixth Brussels Debate organised in the framework of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009. The debate entitled "Cultural diversity: spicing up Creativity?" was organised by the European Commission together with the European Policy Centre (EPC). It took place at 17.00 in the Residence Palace and was opened by Maroš Ševčovič, the new European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth.

The debate took a close look at the complex relation between cultural diversity, creativity and innovation: is cultural diversity an essential element of creativity or only a nice-to-have ingredient? Cultural diversity broadens our vision and makes us appreciate the different ways of seeing and doing things in other cultures. This openness allows us to select and absorb elements of other cultures, helping to produce new ways of thinking, seeing, imagining and creating. How can this link be better fostered in today's European mosaic of cultures, traditions, languages and beliefs?

A panel of experts debated these issues, followed by an open discussion. The keynote speech was delivered by Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth. The panel included Phil Wood, author of "Intercultural City, planning the diversity advantage", Bola Olabisi, Managing Director, Global Women Inventors & Innovators Network (GWIIN), Sabine Frank, Secretary General of the Platform for Intercultural Europe, Daniel de Torres, Commissioner for Integration and Intercultural Dialogue in Barcelona. The debate was moderated by Hans Martens, Chief Executive, European Policy Centre.

The aim of the Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009 is to promote creative and innovative approaches in different sectors of human activity and contribute to better equip the European Union for the challenges ahead in a globalised world. During this Year a series of seven debates have been jointly organised by the European Commission and the EPC in Brussels. The last debate will take place on Thursday, 19 November on the topic "Cultural and other creative industries". The Debates provide a platform for reflection and exchange of ideas which can contribute to policy discussion on Creativity and Innovation.

Source: Official website of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation:
http://www.create2009.europa.eu