UNESCO’s Fourth Report: Rethinking Policies for Creativity
The fourth UNESCO report, titled “Rethinking Policies for Creativity,” highlights that Tunisia continues to strengthen its support system for the cultural and creative industries (CCI). This momentum comes at a time when, worldwide, artists’ incomes could drop 24 % by 2028 due to the rise of generative artificial intelligence.
Drawing on data from more than 120 countries, the report examines how digital transformation affects cultural policies, creative freedom, and the economic sustainability of creators.
Tunisia – A Model of Institutional Commitment
Tunisia is listed among the nations that have submitted their quadriennial report (2021‑2024) under the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. Several flagship initiatives are highlighted, showcasing the country’s dedication to creativity:
| Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| National Digital Transformation Strategy 2021‑2025 | Fully integrates the creative economy, bolstering support for cultural start‑ups. |
| Startup Invest Programme | Includes a guarantee fund and an incubator for management companies, easing access for creative firms to innovation‑focused financing. |
| Cité de la Culture | Provides comprehensive infrastructure for music, opera, ballet, and theatre, reinforcing Tunisia’s cultural fabric. |
Social Inclusion & Regional Development
The report also shines a light on TACIR (Talents‑Arts‑Creativity‑Inclusion‑Research), a program launched in 2023 by the Tunisian Association of Multimedia and Audiovisual. TACIR aims to integrate vulnerable youth from the western regions into cultural career pathways.
- Pilot phase results: Over 900 participants engaged.
- Funding support: Backed by UNESCO’s International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) in 2024.
Through these actions, Tunisia positions itself as a proactive cultural policy exemplar, balancing innovation, inclusion, and sustainable development of the creative industries.
Further Reading
After Djerba, Ghar El Melh and Sidi Bou Saïd added to UNESCO’s final list
Source: La Presse (16 Feb 2026)
