Beyond the Blue Economy - advantage

Reflections on the First Creative Island Forum from Peter Rudge

In November 2023, I had the pleasure of organising the inaugural Creative Island Forum in the Maldives—a gathering designed to chart a new path forward for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) through the power of the Orange Economy. The forum was supported by the Archipelagic & Island States Forum.

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are a distinct group of 39 States and 18 Associate Members of United Nations with an aggregate population of 65 million, facing unique social, economic, and environmental challenges described on the United Nations SIDS web pages.

As outlined in my book, Beyond the Blue Economy, SIDS face unique challenges that demand innovative, multi-sectoral approaches. These are economies historically centered around ocean-based industries, like tourism and fisheries, but as we saw during the pandemic, over-reliance on any single industry leaves them vulnerable to global disruptions. We urgently need to diversify, and creativity is key.

The importance of the Orange Economy in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is starting to become more widely recognised and debated.

The creative industries, often referred to as the Orange Economy, offer a compelling solution to the diversification challenge faced by SIDS. As knowledge-based sectors rich in intellectual property, they are growing globally at a rapid pace and align naturally with existing strengths in tourism by enhancing cultural experiences and storytelling. They also provide a sustainable avenue for development, leveraging local talent and heritage to create high-value opportunities.

The Orange Economy encompasses everything from film, music, and fashion to digital media, arts, and cultural heritage. These industries are not just economic drivers; they also foster social cohesion, create jobs for youth and women, and can even help preserve cultural identities—a particularly relevant goal for island nations.

Key Learnings from the Forum

Peter Rudge, author of Beyond the Blue Economy.

One of the standout discussions at the Forum revolved around the educational and infrastructural support required to develop a thriving creative economy in SIDS. Attendees highlighted the need for specialized training in digital and creative fields, improved data infrastructure to track and nurture this sector, and policies that embed the Orange Economy within national development plans.

Another critical point was the necessity of youth engagement and talent retention. Without ample opportunities, young people often migrate to larger nations, draining islands of essential human capital. Investing in the Orange Economy offers a way to retain this talent, as the creative industries offer a path for individuals to build careers based on unique island identities and global connections.

Professor Jazeel Najeeb, Assistant Professor at Maldives National University.

Finally, there was a resounding call to recognize the Orange Economy as integral to environmental sustainability. With many creative industries adopting green practices—whether through sustainable fashion, eco-friendly handicrafts, or digital media that minimizes resource consumption—this sector has the potential to bolster local economies while protecting the very environments that make SIDS so unique.

Crucially, this event led to concrete outcomes. The President of the Republic of Maldives, Dr Mohamed Muizzu, announced just days after the Forum concluded that he was instructing his government to begin work to build and develop a sustainable creative economy. This demonstrates the value of bringing people together to have those often disregarded conversations.

Moving Forward

A wide range of Government, Public Policy, University, Charity and Business stakeholders attended the Forum. Photographer: John Holmes

Over the last 12 months I’ve continued to have meetings with and roundtables with stakeholders in this process: in the Maldives, the Uk and in other SIDS regions. I’ve met recently with academics, researchers and students about the work of building creative economies in these small islands and this work continues.

The Creative Island Forum in the Maldives was the start of a series of gatherings and conversations that will take place in SIDS regions globally. The next Forum is due to take place in the Caribbean in Spring/Summer 2025 and delivered in partnership with UNCTAD, CARICOM and other key partners. This event will build upon the Maldives Forum, engaging multiple governments and stakeholders and expanding the reach and importance of the Creative Island Forum.

I’ll be joined by colleagues from the first Forum along with former Ambassador to the United Nations for St Kitts and Nevis, Carlisle Richardson and UK film producer, educator and entrepreneur Richard Caunt – who have been crucial to making the Caribbean Forum a reality. I hope you can join us so please watch out for further announcements on dates and locations.

As we look to the future, I invite policymakers, entrepreneurs, and communities across SIDS to explore ways of embedding creative industries into their economic strategies. Let’s think about how we can support these industries sustainably and inclusively, ensuring they uplift local communities without straining natural resources.

Please reach out to me on Linkedin to explore ways we can work together to develop strategies and networks to support SIDS. Especially, I would like to consider:

How can we build networks of support for aspiring entrepreneurs in these fields?

What role should governments and international bodies play in fostering a supportive ecosystem for the Orange Economy?

I would love to hear your thoughts and reflections on how we can build a sustainable future for SIDS, beyond the Blue Economy.

About the Author: Peter Rudge is a speaker, academic, writer and film and television producer. He is a passionate advocate and supporter of new talent, working with young filmmakers and creatives across the UK and internationally.