On the morning of September 16, 2025, the International Centre for Creativity and Sustainable Development (ICCSD) under the auspices of UNESCO hosted the 20th session of the Creativity 2030 Salon. Dr. Zhao Zhehao, associate researcher at the national archaeological research center under the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) and former officer of the Secretariat of UNESCO's 2005 Convention, was invited to deliver a keynote exchange. The session focused on the implementation of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005 Convention) and the integration of culture and technology.

Salon in session

Dr. Zhao provided a systematic overview of the core objectives and key areas of implementation of the 2005 Convention. He emphasized that the Convention aims to safeguard cultural expressions at risk and focuses on practical solutions for emerging challenges. He noted UNESCO's continued emphasis on communities and people, stressing the importance of empowerment and care for individuals.

Sharing insights on the latest international policy developments, Dr. Zhao highlighted that capacity building, policy guidance, awareness-raising, and multi-stakeholder partnerships have become priority areas for UNESCO. He encouraged the Centre to further align its initiatives with these priorities and enhance support for UNESCO's key beneficiary groups as well as cross-convention synergies.

Participants exchanged views on the localized implementation of the Convention and the Centre's annual flagship projects. The discussion provided valuable international perspectives and practical pathways for ICCSD's future work. Going forward, ICCSD will continue to advance innovation practices that integrate culture and technology within the framework of the 2005 Convention, contributing to global sustainable development.

A group photo of the participants

The salon was attended by Li Shouyong, Director of the Department of Humanities and Science Popularization at the Beijing Science and Technology Innovation Center; Zhang Miaomiao, Deputy Director of the same department; Li Ran, Deputy Director of the Teaching Practice Center at the Beijing Film Academy; Li Lu, Project Manager; Sun Kang, General Manager of Long-term AI; and Liu Xiaopeng, Researcher at the Industry Research Department of the Zhongguancun Culture and Technology Innovation Service Alliance.

Creativity 2030 Salon

Organized by ICCSD, Creativity 2030 Salon is one of a series of activities under the center's Creativity 2030 (C2030) brand. So far, 20 events have been held. The center will organize salon activities from time to time, with themes including creativity, sustainability, science and technology, culture. Every time, 1-2 experts, scholars and senior practitioners will be invited to communicate with the public in the form of speeches, dialogue and interactive Q&A.