The UNESCO Forum on “Transforming Knowledge for Africa’s Future” brought together UNESCO Chairs and Partners in Addis Ababa from September 30 to October 2, 2024.

This dynamic meeting space focused on the areas of interdisciplinary and collaborative research, examining and discussing policies and frameworks, and to create a platform for knowledge exchange, networking in Africa and beyond. 

UNESCO has just launched a framework for Culture and Arts Education and I was fortunate to be able to present on the panel entitled “Enhancing Arts and Cultural Education through Research Collaboration along with my colleagues Joel Kipkemboi Kiboss, UNESCO Chair in Culture and Arts in Education for Sustainable Development at Kabarak University, Kenya and Maylene Cotto-andrino, Coordinator for the Network for the Culture of Peace Chairs, Spain. During the panel we discussed the importance of arts education for cultural heritage and preservation for future generations. We also discussed the importance of arts education in developing responsible global citizens who are equipped to face contemporary challenges, one of the goals of the below mentioned framework. Dance can be at the forefront in developing cultural competencies, specifically as movement is a language that is non-verbal. 

Diedre Sklar’s assertion that “movement knowledge is cultural knowledge” underscores the intrinsic connection between dance and the cultural contexts from which it emerges. This perspective highlights the idea that the ways in which individuals move are not merely physical expressions but are deeply embedded in cultural narratives, histories, and social practices. Understanding this relationship is crucial for educators and practitioners in the field of dance, particularly in the context of decolonizing dance pedagogy. Our UNESCO Chair on inclusion, freedom of expression, cultural  identity and creativity through education and global citizenship is aligned with these goals as we are exploring the medium of dance. 

The UNESCO Framework for Culture and Arts Education aims to integrate culture and arts into education systems worldwide, emphasizing their role in fostering holistic development, inclusion, and sustainability.

Key Findings:

1. Holistic Education: The framework emphasizes the integration of culture and arts to enhance learning experiences, encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and emotional well-being. Culture is seen as foundational to personal and societal development.
2. Sustainability and Inclusivity: It stresses the need to address global challenges like inequality, racism, climate change, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic by promoting inclusive access to arts education. This supports sustainable lifestyles, human rights, and global citizenship.
3. Cultural Diversity and Equity: The document highlights the importance of embracing cultural diversity in education. It encourages the protection of cultural expressions and heritage, especially for marginalized groups, and promotes respect for all cultures as a tool for peacebuilding and social cohesion.
4. Lifelong Learning: Culture and arts education should be accessible to all learners throughout their lives, in both formal and informal settings. The framework advocates for an interdisciplinary approach to education that spans various learning environments.
5. Digital and Technological Integration: It acknowledges the growing role of digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, calling for careful management to ensure ethical use and to bridge digital divides.

Conclusions:

• Culture and arts education is essential for developing responsible global citizens who are equipped to face contemporary challenges.
• Educational policies must integrate cultural diversity and inclusivity, creating opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds.
• There is a need for greater investment and collaboration across public, private, and community sectors to support arts education.
• The framework aims to foster a global dialogue on the role of culture and arts in sustainable development, aligning with UNESCO’s broader goals for educational equity and inclusion​