Openness · Heritage · Innovation: The Digital Future of Cultural and Arts Education in Africa
On 27 May 2026, the Global Youth Dialogue among Civilizations Alliance (GYDCA) co-organized an international online dialogue as part of UNESCO Culture and Arts Education Week, bringing together leading scholars, policymakers, cultural practitioners, and youth representatives from across Africa, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Held under the theme “Openness · Heritage · Innovation: The Digital Future of Cultural and Arts Education in Africa,” the webinar provided a dynamic platform for exploring how arts education can evolve in the digital age while remaining rooted in cultural identity.
A Global Conversation Across Cultures
Moderated by Mr. Dived B. Kolleh, International Policy Advisor of the Liberia Academy of Sciences, the event convened participants from Liberia, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, China, Türkiye, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and across Europe. The dialogue reflected a shared commitment to intercultural understanding, cooperation, and youth engagement.
The session opened with remarks from distinguished speakers including Dr. Emmanuel Fred, President of the Liberia Academy of Sciences and Board Chairman of Africa Open University; Mr. Jing Zhang, Executive President of GYDCA; Prof. Asuquo Aniefiok Emmanuel, Founder of the Hope Centre for Modern Music; Prof. Dr. Yuguang Zhou, Director of the International Cooperation Center at China Agricultural University; and Mr. Liwei Zheng FRSA, Director of the International Academic Organizations Alliance.
Key Discussions and Insights
The keynote segment featured contributions from prominent figures across policy, education, and cultural sectors, including Atty. Samuel G. Williams (Liberian National Commission for UNESCO), Mr. V. Marshall Sambolla (Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, Liberia), Dr. Girma Andualem Anteneh (Ethiopia Anti-Corruption Commission), Mr. Stephen A. Essien (Ghana), Dr. Clinton Mutali Lichuma (Kenya), and Mr. J. Rufus Paul (Ministry of Information, Liberia), alongside Dr. Emmanuel Fred.Speakers emphasized the critical role of digital technologies and open educational resources (OER) in preserving and sharing cultural heritage. A key consensus emerged: innovation should not replace tradition, but rather amplify and sustain it.
Discussions highlighted:
-the protection of oral traditions, local languages, and intangible heritage
-the importance of community ownership and ethical digital documentation
-the role of youth as active creators of cultural narratives
-the need for stronger collaboration across institutions, educators, and global partners
Youth Engagement and Dialogue
The webinar also placed strong emphasis on youth participation, with young voices contributing reflections on intercultural learning, identity, and global cooperation. These contributions reinforced the idea that youth are not only beneficiaries, but key actors in shaping the future of cultural dialogue.Outcomes and Future DirectionsThe event successfully strengthened international partnerships among organizing institutions and participants, and generated a shared vision for advancing cultural and arts education in Africa through digital innovation and collaboration.