Barcelona will become the epicentre of global cultural dialogue later this month as it hosts the UNESCO Mondiacult conference on cultural policies. The summit, running from 29 September to 1 October at the International Convention Centre of Barcelona (CCIB), will gather over 150 ministers and deputy ministers of culture from around the world.
Spain’s Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun, alongside UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Culture, Ernesto Ottone, announced that the event will transform the Catalan capital into “a cultural beacon.”
In addition to government leaders, the summit will welcome artists, academics, cultural professionals, researchers, civil society organisations and private sector representatives. The agenda includes plenary sessions, thematic discussions, parallel events and cultural activities.
Key issues on the table include:
- Cultural rights
- Culture in the digital age
- Integrating culture into education
- The cultural economy
- Climate change and culture
- Protecting heritage in times of crisis
- Artificial intelligence and culture
- Culture of peace
A major highlight will be the presentation of the first-ever UNESCO World Report on the State of Culture. The programme also features a concert for peace at the Palau de la Música, directed by renowned conductor Jordi Savall.
For the first time, the event will include Modiayouth, a youth-centred conference, and the Civic Agora, an open forum for citizens and cultural stakeholders, taking place from 26 September to 1 October.
Notably, while delegations from Russia and Ukraine have registered, the United States and Israel have yet to confirm their attendance.
