UNESCO Word Conference on Culture, Arts, and Education 2024

In a groundbreaking event, the UNESCO World Conference on Culture, Art, and Education (WACCAE) 2024 (themed "Culture and Arts Education in Africa") convened to address the imperative of culturally relevant arts pedagogies in advancing social cohesion, well-being, and educational success across the African continent.

The conference emphasized celebrating students' unique cultural backgrounds and experiences, focusing on strengths rather than deficits.

Aligned with Africa's objectives, the presentation highlighted a commitment to preserving, promoting, and celebrating the diversity of African arts and culture. This mission extended to fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation through partnerships with local and international stakeholders. The overarching advocacy aimed to celebrate diversity and preserve cultural heritage through sustainable educational practices.

Visual and performing arts were recognized as integral to fostering 21st-century skills, making them indispensable for promoting key life skills. Culturally responsive education emerged as a pivotal approach, making learning enjoyable, inclusive, and meaningful, particularly for marginalized populations.

Professor Emmanuel, Vice Chair of the African Union, emphasized critical issues in African arts education, focusing on the AU's initiative to formulate a continental policy. His presentation highlighted existing challenges, including improved infrastructure and the imperative to decolonize African arts education.

Dr Ewie Erasmus, Secretary of the African Arts Association, stressed the importance of culturally relevant pedagogies and advocated for integrating students' unique worldviews into the educational context. She highlighted the role of arts education in fostering social capital and cohesion, contributing to a sense of belonging, hope, and overall well-being.

The Director General of the Africa International Documentary Festival Foundation, Mrs. Malame Mangzha, showcased successful cultural preservation projects, focusing on the Sukur Cultural Landscape in Nigeria. The initiative involved global and local volunteers, engaging youth in cultural preservation and entrepreneurship programs.

Mr. Ahmed Mohammed, Artistic Director and CEO of the National Troupe of Nigeria, emphasized the pivotal role of cultural education in preserving historical narratives. His presentation highlighted the National Troupe's initiatives, including the Children's Creative Station Workshop, which reached schools in local communities, nurturing creativity and healthy competition.

In Seychelles, Mrs. Benjamin Rose, Executive Director of the Seychelles National Heritage Resource Council, outlined diverse cultural programs to preserve and promote their heritage. From Heritage Clubs to the Creole Festival, these initiatives focus on intergenerational conversations, thematic programs, and community engagement.

The MARBART Program at the Italian Ministry of Education, presented by Mr. Lorenzo, showcased an innovative approach to cultural education through international artistic residences for schools. This initiative fosters global cultural exchange, active arts education, and interdisciplinary learning, contributing to emotional education in post-pandemic times.

The conference concluded with a student ambassador, Jennifer, sharing her firsthand experience participating in the MARBART Program in Senegal. She emphasized the program's role in understanding different cultures through art, highlighting the importance of art education in fostering unity and transcending differences.

The UNESCO World Conference showcased a collective commitment to advancing arts education for social cohesion and well-being in Africa, echoing the call to action for tangible projects and collaborations to bring these principles to life.