Paris, 25 May 2026 — The Global Youth Dialogue among Civilizations Alliance (GYDCA) successfully hosted the international online webinar “Harmony of Civilizations – Global Music Dialogue: Deepening Understanding Among Cultures Through Music Education” as the very first event of UNESCO Culture and Arts Education Week 2026.
The webinar brought together distinguished scholars, music educators, cultural practitioners, young performers, and international participants from across regions to explore how music education can serve as a bridge between civilizations. Centered on the belief that music is a universal language transcending borders, cultures, and generations, the event highlighted the role of music in fostering intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, creativity, and peace.
The programme opened with a special video message from Ms. Cecilia Barbieri, Chief of Section for Global Citizenship and Peace Education, who underlined the importance of culture and arts education in promoting dialogue, inclusive learning, and youth engagement within the framework of UNESCO Culture and Arts Education Week.
Following the special message, Prof. Qi Yue, Coordinator and Chairman of the Project, delivered the opening remarks. Prof. Qi Yue is the Executive Dean of the Chinese Classical Music Research Institute at Renmin University of China and Professor of Music and Arts Management. In his remarks, he introduced the vision of the webinar and emphasized the power of music education as a means to deepen understanding among cultures and encourage long-term cooperation between young musicians, educators, and institutions.
The keynote session brought together four distinguished speakers from Uzbekistan, Brazil, South Korea, and France, each offering perspectives from their respective cultural, academic, and institutional contexts.
Prof. Eldor Uralovich Shermanov from Uzbekistan, Rector of the Institute of Uzbek National Musical Art named after Yunus Rajabiy, opened the keynote session. Prof. Shermanov holds a PhD in Pedagogical Sciences and has authored numerous textbooks, methodological manuals, academic articles, theses, and monographs. In his speech, he emphasized that music education is not only a means of aesthetic development, but also a strategic instrument for peacebuilding, intercultural solidarity, and the preservation of cultural identity. Drawing on Uzbekistan’s musical heritage, including maqom and folk traditions, he highlighted the importance of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in preserving national musical heritage and enabling young people to participate in global cultural exchange.
Prof. Dr. Fernando Hashimoto from Brazil, Dean of the Institute of Arts at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), then shared insights from Brazil’s rich musical landscape. A Full Professor of Percussion and internationally active performer, Prof. Hashimoto has performed in more than 34 countries and has extensive experience in higher music education. His presentation explored music as a tool for dialogue, social inclusion, and peacebuilding. He discussed how Brazilian musical traditions reflect Indigenous, African, European, and migrant influences, and how community youth orchestras, school programmes, festivals, and intercultural exchanges can strengthen citizenship, cultural recognition, and democratic coexistence.
Prof. Lee Dong-soo from South Korea, Professor of Culture and Arts Management at Sangmyung University, also contributed to the keynote session. Prof. Lee serves as Vice President of the International Federation of Arts Management, Chairman of the Asian Arts Management Center, and research advisor for government cultural and arts institutions. His contribution focused on the management and institutional dimensions of culture and arts education, highlighting how structured arts programmes, international collaboration, and cultural management frameworks can support sustainable dialogue among civilizations.
The final keynote speaker, Dr. Anne-Léonore Dardenne from France, Deputy Director of the École Supérieure de Musique Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, addressed the question of how higher music education can create the conditions for intercultural dialogue. With over thirteen years of experience in higher music education and a background in political science, diplomacy, and Japanese studies, Dr. Dardenne reflected on the responsibility of music institutions to create genuine spaces for listening, encounter, and cooperation. She emphasized that harmony does not mean uniformity, but rather the coexistence of different voices capable of building something in common.
Following the keynote session, the webinar presented a series of pre-recorded artistic performances, offering participants a musical experience that complemented the academic discussions.
Central Axis Anthem: with lyrics by You Fu and music composed by Yicen Shi, celebrated Beijing’s Central Axis through music and bilingual lyrical expression. The performance connected architectural heritage, urban memory, and cultural identity, demonstrating how music can transform historical symbols into contemporary artistic storytelling.
L’Hymne à l’amour: featured Gersende, an 18-year-old French singer, songwriter, and performer. Gersende has performed at several prestigious events, including The Voice Kids as part of the Olympic Games and Printemps de Bourges.
Middle School Orchestra of Beijing Haidian Foreign Language Experimental School: Founded in 2019, the orchestra has more than 80 members and is dedicated to cultivating high-level young musical talents.
The panel was moderated by Prof. Wang Lu, Associate Professor of Music at Brown University. A composer whose works draw from urban soundscapes, linguistic intonation, traditional Chinese music, improvisation, and contemporary instrumental techniques, Prof. Wang Lu has had works performed by leading ensembles and orchestras including the New York Philharmonic and Ensemble Intercontemporain. She is also a 2014 Guggenheim Fellow. The panel brought together four international speakers from Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Vietnam.
Mr. Asuquo Aniefiok Emmanuel from Nigeria, Founder and Artistic Director of Hope Centre for Modern Music and Co-founder of JEEN-TRIBE Paris, shared his experience in music education, artist empowerment, and inclusive pedagogy. A music specialist and founder of H.O.M.E. (Helping Other Musicians Excel), he has worked across music education, performance, and music therapy, with a particular focus on children with special needs and sensory development.
Prof. Silviu Cobeanu from the United Kingdom, Associate Professor in Music Management and Programme Director of the MA Music Management at the University of Leeds, discussed the role of music management in international dialogue and cultural diplomacy. Drawing on over 25 years of experience as a concert promoter, arts marketing consultant, and classically trained singer, he reflected on how music institutions and global partnerships can support sustainable cultural exchange.
Prof. Salvatore Spanò from Italy, Vice Dean of Conservatorio Lucio Campiani di Mantova, brought the perspective of a distinguished pianist and music educator. Born in Marsala, Sicily, he has won numerous national and international piano competitions and performed across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East. His participation highlighted the importance of performance education, artistic excellence, and international collaboration in building bridges between cultures.
Dr. Tran Thi Thuy from Vietnam, Senior Researcher at the Vietnamese Academy of Social Sciences, contributed insights from cultural diplomacy, cultural industries, soft power, and regional academic collaboration. With over 15 years of experience in China Studies and cultural research, she emphasized the importance of cultural understanding, institutional cooperation, and research-based dialogue in strengthening international cultural exchange. Together, the panelists explored how music education can move beyond technical training to become a platform for empathy, cooperation, community engagement, cultural identity, and peacebuilding.
A major highlight of the webinar was the official launch of the Global Youth Music Initiative 2026–2027, under the theme “Connecting Cultures Through Music.”
This initiative is designed as a global platform encouraging young musicians and organizations worldwide to share their creativity, cultural stories, and musical expressions. It aims to promote intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and cultural exchange through artistic expression.
The initiative invites musicians, whether individuals or organizations, to submit a short video of no more than five minutes presenting a creative musical storytelling piece. Submissions may include performances, compositions, or music-based narratives that reflect cultural identity, exchange, or dialogue through music. Participants will be invited to upload their videos to YouTube or Bilibili and submit the video link through the official submission channel.
The submission deadline is 31 December 2026. The selection process will take place in two stages. First, submitted videos will be evaluated based on public engagement, including views, likes, and overall reach. Second, the top 20 percent most-viewed videos will be shortlisted for review by an international expert panel.
Final works will be selected according to artistic quality, cultural relevance, creativity, and storytelling impact. Selected works will have the opportunity to be showcased during UNESCO Culture and Arts Education Week 2027. Subject to conditions, selected artists may also be invited to Paris for live participation. Further submission guidelines and evaluation details will be released on the official GYDCA website.
Through this webinar under the frame of UNESCO Culture and Arts and Education Week, GYDCA continued its mission to promote dialogue among civilizations and create meaningful platforms for youth engagement, intercultural understanding, and international cooperation. We look forward to continued collaboration in advancing cultural and arts education as a pathway toward mutual understanding and lasting peace.
