Geneva-Switzerland, 4 December 2025 - Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsa held a bilateral meeting with the Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Rebeca Grynspan, at the UNCTAD headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday (4/12).
Menteri Ekonomi Kreatif, Teuku Riefky Harsa, melakukan pertemuan bilateral dengan Sekretaris Jenderal United Nations Conference Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Rebeca Grynspan, di kantor pusat UNCTAD, Jenewa, Swiss, Kamis (4/12).
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both parties to strengthen strategic cooperation in developing the creative economy as a new engine for sustainable economic growth.
The UNCTAD Secretary-General conveyed her appreciation and recognition for Indonesia’s efforts in advancing its creative economy. She noted that Indonesia’s progress can serve as a model for developing countries.
Indonesia is considered successful in building a creative economy ecosystem that is inclusive, adaptive, and significantly contributes to national economic growth.
“Indonesia demonstrates how the creative economy can become a pillar of inclusive and sustainable development in developing countries. Indonesia’s experience is highly relevant as a global reference,” said UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan.
Responding to this, Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsa stated that UNCTAD’s recognition reinforces President Prabowo’s policy direction in strengthening the national creative economy.
“This acknowledgment from UNCTAD is proof that the efforts to strengthen the creative economy ecosystem are moving in the right direction. Indonesia is ready to collaborate with various stakeholders, particularly other developing countries,” said Teuku Riefky.
The Ministry of Creative Economy and UNCTAD agreed to collaborate on developing the “Creative Economy Outlook 2026,” which is scheduled to be launched in October 2026. This publication will highlight Indonesia’s ongoing creative economy policies in relation to sustainable development, digital transformation, and the strengthening of global competitiveness.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekraf/ Badan Ekraf.
Both parties also agreed to co-organize an international program as part of the series of events for the “World Conference on Creative Economy (WCCE) 2026,” which will take place in October 2026.
“We welcome UNCTAD’s initiatives and commitments, particularly the proposed joint activities that can strengthen global networks, open opportunities for business collaboration, and enhance the promotion of our creative products in the international market,” added Teuku Riefky.
Furthermore, UNCTAD expressed its technical and policy support for Indonesia, particularly in:
Analysis and policy recommendations for strengthening the Creative Economy Law (UU Ekraf);
Strengthening the Master Plan for Creative Economy Development (Rindekraf); and
Developing financing schemes based on Intellectual Property (IP).
The Minister emphasized that this cooperation is highly strategic and will serve as an important foundation for accelerating national economic transformation driven by creativity and innovation.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekraf/ Badan Ekraf.
“This collaboration with UNCTAD will strengthen Indonesia’s position as one of the global creative economy hubs, while expanding the sector’s contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” concluded Teuku Riefky.
Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the UN, WTO, and other International Organizations, Sidharto R. Suryodiputro. The UNCTAD Secretary-General was accompanied by Director of DITC Luz Maria de la Mora, and UNCTAD’s PIC on Creative Economy, Marisa Henderson.
UNCTAD is a United Nations body focused on sustainable development, particularly in developing countries. It is known for providing research, analysis, data, and policy recommendations on global trade, investment, and development.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
