As the sun sets on the desert city of Abu Dhabi, the stage is set for a global gathering that seeks to redefine the role of culture and arts in education. From February 13 to 15, 2024, the United Arab Emirates will host UNESCO’s third World Conference on Culture and Arts Education, an event that promises to be a watershed moment for integrating culture into the educational systems of UNESCO’s member states.

A Dance of Culture, Arts, and Education

The International Theatre Institute (ITI), an organization with a rich history of advocating for the arts and culture, will join this symphony of voices to shape the future of education. With a focus on fostering skills and competencies through culture and arts, the conference aims to create a framework that meets the contemporary needs and opportunities of society.

Previous editions of the conference, held in Lisbon, Portugal in 2006 and Seoul, South Korea in 2010, have laid the groundwork for this ambitious endeavor. This third edition will see culture and education ministers from around the world converge in Abu Dhabi to adopt the framework. The conference will also welcome UN agencies, intergovernmental organizations, and UNESCO networks and partners in the fields of culture and education.

A Global Chorus of Voices

Tobias Biancone, the ITI Director General, emphasized the importance of ITI’s participation in the conference, given its foundational focus on culture, the arts, and education. “The ITI UNESCO Network for Higher Education plays a crucial role in this global dialogue,” said Biancone. “Our mission is to promote international exchange and collaboration in the performing arts, and this conference is a vital platform for that.”

The ITI will host two onsite events and one online panel during the conference. One event, ‘Culture and Arts Education for a Sustainable Future’, will feature discussions on the roles of cultural institutions and public engagement in sustainability. The online panel, ‘Harmonizing Heritage & Innovation’, will delve into the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and embracing innovative practices in arts education.

A Call to Action

As the countdown to the conference begins, the ITI invites interested individuals to register for these events through their website. This global gathering presents an opportunity to shape the future of culture and arts education, and the ITI is eager to contribute to the conversation.

In a world that is increasingly interconnected, the importance of culture and arts in education cannot be overstated. The upcoming UNESCO World Conference on Culture and Arts Education in Abu Dhabi is a testament to this belief. As the desert city prepares to welcome the world, the stage is set for a dance of culture, arts, and education that promises to leave a lasting impact.

The rhythm of change is in the air, and the ITI, along with UNESCO and its partners, is ready to conduct this global symphony. The curtain is about to rise on a new chapter in the story of culture and arts education, and the audience is eagerly waiting to see what unfolds on the world stage.