We are currently living through a period of uncertainty at a global scale, but we also have the opportunity to address these uncertainties through imaginative initiatives reflecting the new paradigms that have emerged with the digital age. We need to establish channels for greater social participation in the construction of a multicultural Europe based on social inclusion and gender equality. If we are to take this reality on board, we will need to consider the validity of our current economic and cultural models. If we are going to build a Knowledge Society sustained by the interdisciplinary and horizontal relationships that define our societies, we must make a clear commitment to quality education that incentivises and encourages creativity, research and an innovation culture free of sexual, economic or racial discrimination.

This European Conference will be held in a direct response to the aims of the Spanish Presidency of the EU during the first half of 2010 and the objectives of the “European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009” for promoting creativity and the different areas of innovation in the various sectors of human activity in order to help equip Spain and the EU for the challenges and opportunities that new technologies and their application in art, science, and innovation have offered us throughout the world.

During the conference, the following topics will be discussed:

• Objectives of the Spanish Presidency of the EU: integration, solidarity, innovation, competitiveness, education, gender equality, citizenship
• Objectives of the European Year of Creativity and InnovationStrategies for the Development of the Arts, Innovation and Digital Culture
• Coordination of cultural, scientific and innovation policies
• The European Union and Civic Participation. European Intercultural Projects that incentivise the creation of networks and civic participation in the construction of Europe. Collaboration with international networks.
  
  For more information and webcast of all debates: www.europeanconferencebilbao09.eu