Bishkek hosted “Create4Design in the Age of AI” on 25 April 2026 as part of Creativity Week, marking World Creativity and Innovation Day. The event brought together representatives from the creative sector, business, education, technology, and development organizations, reinforcing its role as Kyrgyzstan’s leading platform for shaping the future of the creative economy. Initiated in 2022 by UNDP Kyrgyzstan and the Association of Creative Industries, Create4 has grown into an ecosystem supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and human capital development aligned with national priorities.
The creative economy is increasingly central to Kyrgyzstan’s development strategy, as outlined in the National Development Programme 2030, which prioritizes innovation, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and future skills. Creative industries such as design, IT, film, fashion, architecture, crafts, and digital content are expanding, generating new opportunities for employment, exports, and youth engagement while strengthening the country’s economic competitiveness.
This year’s theme focused on “Design in the Age of AI,” exploring how artificial intelligence can support development while preserving human creativity, cultural identity, and original thinking. UNDP emphasized the creative economy as a pathway to diversify the economy, create quality jobs, and empower young people by linking talent, technology, and entrepreneurship.
The festival included an education-focused programme highlighting how creativity is nurtured in children and how education systems are adapting to future skill needs. A student performance titled “Kөchmөn Kyyal” showcased the connection between education, culture, and innovation, reflecting the importance of developing creative thinking from an early age.
The event also featured interactive workshops, exhibitions, branding and AI-focused sessions, craft fairs, career zones, and presentations from local creative businesses. In the lead-up, Creativity Week hosted activities such as AI debates, creative advertising sessions, networking events, and discussions on the impact of artificial intelligence on decision-making and human development.
A key component of the festival was a design challenge connecting 10 companies with young creative professionals, allowing participants to work on real business briefs. This provided practical experience, portfolio development, and exposure to market demands while helping companies access fresh creative ideas.
The festival concluded with a keynote emphasizing that while AI is a powerful tool, creativity, meaning, and cultural context remain fundamentally human-driven. Overall, the event strengthened partnerships and reinforced efforts to build a modern creative economy in Kyrgyzstan, with UNDP continuing to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development in the sector.
