The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Arab World Institute in Paris, held the third meeting of the “ICESCO International Network of Civil Society Organizations for Culture and Development” project, themed “Youth Inclusion Through Arts and Culture.” The meeting brought together experts, cultural actors, and international partners to discuss challenges related to youth and socio-cultural transformations.

The meeting, held via videoconference on Thursday, 25 June 2026, opened with remarks by Dr. Chawki Abdelamir, Director-General of the Arab World Institute in Paris, who chaired the session. He emphasized that contemporary societies are undergoing profound transformations that require moving beyond theoretical approaches toward practical solutions underpinned by an understanding of young people’s aspirations and projects.

In his opening address, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO, noted that youth represent a strategic priority for the Organization, stressing that the arts and culture have become economic sectors capable of creating jobs, developing skills, and generating added value.

The meeting featured the announcement of a new cooperation program entitled “ICESCO–Arab World Institute: Shared Culture,” which aims to strengthen exchanges among cultural actors, support youth-led initiatives, encourage innovative international cooperation projects, and promote culture as a driver of social inclusion and employment.

The session also featured presentations on several initiatives by participants and members of the ICESCO International Network. Mr. Frédéric Jambu, expert in cultural diplomacy at the Organization, underlined that economic, technological, and social transformations call for recognizing the arts and culture as genuine drivers of inclusion and innovation.

Mr. Adel Mosa, Director of the Nubian Heritage Society in Egypt, reviewed initiatives implemented in partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Youth in heritage promotion, theater, music, training, and the documentation of folk tales.

In the same context, Mr. Faisal Kiwewa, Director of the Bayimba Cultural Foundation in Uganda, highlighted the importance of professionally training young artists through accredited programs in film, sound engineering, poetry, and cultural journalism.