UNESCO International Arts Education Week in Africa — regional dialogue on 27 May 2026 under the theme "Openness · Heritage · Innovation: The Digital Future of Cultural and Arts Education in Africa"
The Africa Open University (AOU) and partner institutions will convene a regional dialogue during UNESCO International Arts Education Week 2026 on 27 May 2026 in a hybrid format (online and in-person) in Monrovia, Liberia, with free registration for participants. The dialogue is intended as a platform for exchange among stakeholders from academia, public institutions, cultural sectors, and youth communities. It will explore how digital technologies and Open Educational Resources (OER) can support the preservation, transmission, and accessibility of Africa's cultural and artistic heritage, in line with the theme "Openness · Heritage · Innovation: The Digital Future of Cultural and Arts Education in Africa."
Organisers and partners
Organisers listed on the event page are Africa Open University (AOU), Liberia Academy of Sciences (LAS), Global Youth Dialogue Among Civilizations Alliance (GYDCA), and International Academic Organizations Alliance (IAOA). The event is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), and contributes to international discussion on UNESCO frameworks related to culture and arts education and the 2019 UNESCO Recommendation on Open Educational Resources (OER).
Format and programme
The event will be conducted in a hybrid format (in-person and online), enabling broad participation across Africa. It will feature high-level policy and academic dialogue, expert presentations, and youth exchange sessions. Published timings are approximate and subject to adjustment; sessions are scheduled across 11:00–13:00 CET / 09:00–11:00 GMT / 17:00–19:00 CST. Opening remarks will include introducing the Global Training Certification (GTC) and UNESCO-supported programs. The programme concludes with Closing Remarks & Communiqué. The language of the event is English. Participation is free registration.Anticipated results
The dialogue is expected to support knowledge exchange on OER in cultural and arts education, regional partnerships, capacity building including teacher training and youth engagement in cultural innovation, and a post-event communiqué summarizing outcomes and action points for regional implementation, to be submitted to UNESCO for follow-up. The organisers state that this dialogue is a non-profit academic and cultural activity conducted in compliance with applicable regulations and academic ethics, focusing on scholarly exchange, cultural dialogue, and professional discussion in alignment with UNESCO frameworks.
Registration and contact
Participants may register via Register Now on the event page. After registration review, eligible participants receive Zoom access and event updates; an e-certificate is offered for eligible participants.
Further information: https://www.iaoalliance.org/Conferences/UNESCO-AEW2026
UNESCO Culture and Arts Education Week 2026 Events: https://www.unesco.org/en/weeks/arts-education/events