The onset of the global financial crisis has prompted the emergence of creative economies as an attractive and potentially more viable alternative to classical growth strategies. The increasing importance given to the cultivation of these creative industries on a global scale relies on a novel approach to economic development, one which adopts a more dynamic and human-centered framework. The components of creative economies, such as Green Industries, new media, performing arts, heritage, design and creative services are beginning to form integral parts of the global economy, allowing for the exploration of innovative resources, which are accessible to developing and developed countries alike. Promising to generate sustainable economic growth through the creation of jobs and the innovation of trade, creative industries can simultaneously occupy a central role in promoting and maintaining cultural diversity, social inclusion and environmental sustainability. The effects are thus two-fold, delivering both economic and socio-cultural benefits. Creative industries are also redefining the education system and the tourism industry. This is reflected for example in the on-going shift from traditional leisure-based tourism to more dynamic forms, such as cultural, educational and ecological tourism. This diversification of the tourism sector enriches the local, regional and the international economy through its use of creative goods and services and represents an alternative to the domestic, goods-based economy. Conference AgendaThe Berlin International Economics Congress 2014 seeks to explore and analyze the myriad of opportunities offered by the nurturing of creative industries, while integrating tools of Cultural Diplomacy into the creation and implementation of joint strategies of sustainable economic development.The Conference will focus in particular on the following issues:Creative Industries in the Context of GlobalizationGlobal Trends in Creative EconomiesEngaging Developing Countries in the Creative Economy for Sustainable DevelopmentContemporary Trends in the Tourism SectorTourism as a Tool for Sustainable Economic GrowthThe Role of Cultural Diplomacy in Culture-based Economic DevelopmentOpportunities & Challenges facing Creative Industries