UNESCO and Bangladesh Award First Creative Economy Prize to Ugandan Start-Up
On 11 November 2021, Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, and Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh, awarded the first UNESCO-Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman International Prize for the Creative Economy to MoTIV Creations Limited of Uganda during a ceremony at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
This new prize, supported by the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, recognizes, rewards and further amplifies exceptional initiatives that support young entrepreneurs in the field of the creative economy. MoTIV was selected among 69 nominations.
“By rewarding all those who enable creators, especially women and young people, this Prize opens up new horizons for humanity through culture and the arts,” underlined Audrey Azoulay. “This Prize is a tangible measure to defend those who drive this sector, which is so important for our societies, our economies and our future,” she added.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh described UNESCO's choice to establish the award as “the most befitting tribute" to the memory of her late father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. “We believe that investment in the creative economy will result in the realisation of the collective aim of furthering socio-economic development and technological advancement,” she stated.
Located in Kampala, Uganda, MoTIV is an integrated creative studio that fosters collaboration in an impactful and sustainable way through the provision of tools and training. It works across different domains such as film, music and fashion design, helping entrepreneurs to refine and scale up their businesses. Through its work, MoTIV has contributed to the creation of over 700 jobs and has given over 100 businesses access larger markets.
In his acceptance speech, CK Japheth, founder of MoTIV, stressed the creative potential of youth. “This award is dedicated to everyone who believes in something but more important, to those who have made it their life mission to believe in the potential of others, you are the real-life heroes,” he noted.
The ceremony took place in the framework of the 41st Session of UNESCO’s General Conference. This first edition of the UNESCO-Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman International Prize for the Creative Economy is also part of UNESCO’s celebration of the United Nations International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development.