The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a webinar entitled “World Music, Living Heritage, and Intercultural Dialogue: Introducing the International Institute for World Music”, with the participation of more than 40 experts and representatives of international cultural institutions. The event aimed to highlight the role of music in fostering intercultural dialogue, safeguarding living heritage, and opening new horizons for international cultural cooperation.
The webinar, held on Thursday 5 June 2026, as part of the ICESCO International Network of Civil Society Organizations for Culture and Development project, was moderated by Ms. Somia Djacta, Head of the ICESCO Office to UNESCO. In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of this initiative in strengthening ties among cultural stakeholders and underscoring the status of musical heritage as a universal language shared by humanity.

In his opening address, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO, stressed that world music serves as a bridge of understanding among peoples and an effective tool for promoting a culture of peace that’s rooted in cultural diversity and mutual respect. He noted that openness to diverse artistic expressions constitutes a key driver for enhancing intercultural dialogue.

Subsequently, Ms. Margaret Dechenaux, Founder and Director of the International Institute for World Music, delivered a presentation on the Institute’s experience, explaining that it currently offers 17 certificate training tracks and organizes more than 40 major international masterclasses annually. She also expressed the Institute’s interest in developing joint projects with ICESCO in the fields of training and the promotion of intangible cultural heritage.

For his part, Dr. Hyung Suk Moon, Honorary President of the Institute, highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy in bringing peoples closer together. He reviewed a number of international experiences and pointed to promising opportunities for cooperation in the fields of cultural and creative industries and heritage digitization.

Meanwhile, Mr. Frédéric Jambu, Coordinator of the ICESCO International Network of Civil Society Organizations for Culture and Development and an expert in cultural diplomacy, presented the objectives of the international platform, explaining that it seeks to support partnerships, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and implement joint projects among civil society organizations. Mr. Lotfi Ben Salah, President of the Riadh Al-Sunbati Club for Arab Music Association in Tunisia, also highlighted his association’s initiatives aimed at preserving, documenting, and promoting Arab musical heritage.

The webinar concluded with a reaffirmation of the importance of cultural openness as a catalyst for mutual enrichment and of the need to continue building effective partnerships among international and local cultural civil society organizations, thereby creating new opportunities for cooperation between ICESCO and the International Institute for World Music.