Liberia Academy of Sciences to Co-host UNESCO International Arts Education Week in Africa Regional Dialogue in Monrovia on 27 May 2026

Organisers and partners

According to the official event page, organisers are Africa Open University (AOU), Liberia Academy of Sciences (LAS), Global Youth Dialogue Among Civilizations Alliance (GYDCA), and International Academic Organizations Alliance (IAOA). Partners include UNESCO — Liberian National Commission for UNESCO, College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Zhejiang Torch Center, and Service Platform for International Professionals. LAS views this regional dialogue, convened during UNESCO International Arts Education Week 2026, as an opportunity for Liberia and African partners to strengthen cooperation in cultural and arts education, enhance access to cultural learning resources, and encourage inclusive participation in arts education. The event is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), and contributes to discussion on UNESCO frameworks related to culture and arts education and the 2019 UNESCO Recommendation on Open Educational Resources (OER).

Format and programme

The event will be conducted in a hybrid format (in-person and online), enabling broad participation across Africa through both in-person attendance in Monrovia and online participation. It will feature high-level policy and academic dialogue, expert presentations, and youth exchange sessions. Published timings are approximate and subject to adjustment; sessions are scheduled across 11:00–13:00 CET / 09:00–11:00 GMT / 17:00–19:00 CST. Opening remarks will be delivered by Dr. Emmanuel Fred, President of the Liberia Academy of Sciences and Board Chairman of Africa Open University, including introducing the Global Training Certification (GTC) and UNESCO-supported programs. The programme concludes with Closing Remarks & Communiqué. The language of the event is English. Participation is free registration.

Anticipated results

LAS anticipates that the dialogue will support knowledge exchange on OER in cultural and arts education, regional partnerships, capacity building including teacher training and youth engagement in cultural innovation, and a post-event communiqué summarizing outcomes and action points for regional implementation, to be submitted to UNESCO for follow-up. The organisers state that this dialogue is a non-profit academic and cultural activity conducted in compliance with applicable regulations and academic ethics, focusing on scholarly exchange, cultural dialogue, and professional discussion in alignment with UNESCO frameworks.

Registration and contact

Participants may register via Register Now on the event page. After registration review, eligible participants receive Zoom access and event updates; an e-certificate is offered for eligible participants. Registration enquiries: Marshall, +231886514888. Further information: www.iaoalliance.org/Conferences/UNESCO-AEW2026.