This year, 2009, is targeting public awareness on the importance of two pillars – Creativity and Innovation, on a personal basis, social dimension and economic strata. Thus, stimulating research and education, celebrating and disseminating good practices and generating policy debate is the objective. This was stated by Ms Bernadette Gerada Aloisio, National Coordinator European Year of Creativity and Innovation during the launch of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, during a press conference held at the Ospizio, Floriana.

Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dolores Cristina, believes that the world today is going through rapid political, social and technological changes. “All these changes have brought about the need to increase competition but primarily the need to make use of human resources. The implementation of new methods of learning, like lateral thinking, resulting in originality, progressiveness and innovation, is the application of creativity.”

Dr Edward de Bono, the Ambassador of European Year of Creativity and Innovation stated that “Creativity in thinking is a skill that can be taught, learnt and practised just like mathematics, skiing or cooking.”

The Ambassadors of the Year are prominent personalities, who are committed to, and share, the aims of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation. The Ambassadors lend their support to make the Year a success and take part in various events organised throughout the Year.

Dr Joanne Drake, Head of the Representation of the European Commission, was also present for the official press launch of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation.

The official launch announced a calendar of events starting with an open day of creative and innovate family activities on March the 1st, 2009 at St James Cavalier, Centre for Creativity between 11am and 6pm. Amongst the participating entities are government departments and agencies, national group organizations and private agencies lending themselves to create the right emphasis to tap the potential that exists and let it grow in a fertile soil leading to its natural effect – Innovation.

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