UNESCO hosted the World Conference on Culture and Arts Education in Abu Dhabi from February 13 to 15, 2024, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. This significant event aimed to gather Culture and Education Ministers globally for the adoption of a UNESCO Framework for Culture and Arts Education. The conference also brought together UN agencies, intergovernmental organizations, and UNESCO partners in culture and education to exchange practices and ideas and strengthen a global alliance for arts education.
The 3rd UNESCO World Conference on Culture and Arts Education, the first since the 2010 Seoul event, drew 940 participants from 125 countries, including officials from cultural, artistic, and educational ministries, experts, and UN-affiliated organizations. The goal was to reflect evolving social values and adopt the revised Framework for Culture and Arts Education.
During the initial session, Lee Hae-don, MCST's Culture and Arts Policy Director, presented "A Fair Opportunity for Access to Culture and Arts Education." Elected Vice Chairperson on the 13th through the Bureau Group election, Director Lee shared the Korean government's initiatives promoting equal access to culture and arts education, emphasizing success stories like KACES' "Yesulnurim" project and the national culture and arts education resource platform.
The UNESCO Framework for Culture and Arts Education, developed through a participatory preparatory process, builds on the Road Map for Arts Education and the Seoul Agenda. It involves contributions from UNESCO Member States and stakeholders, serving as a crucial tool for shaping integrated strategies and policies that embed the cultural dimension in educational systems. The Framework supports investments in skills and competencies through culture and arts, addressing contemporary needs and opportunities.
