Integrating culture and the arts into education not only nurtures creativity but also fosters empathy, dialogue and more peaceful societies. With this message, UNESCO held its first Cultural and Arts Education Week, which took place from 25 to 31 May 2026 under the theme “Cultural and Arts Education for Lasting Peace.” A summary of the event was published on UNESCO’s official website.

The initiative was based on UNESCO’s Framework for Cultural and Arts Education, adopted in Abu Dhabi in 2024, as well as its Implementation Guide, published in 2025.

According to UNESCO, the event brought together representatives of ministries of education, national commissions, teachers, cultural professionals and students from different countries. Participants shared how music, theatre, visual arts and other creative practices help develop empathy, critical thinking, collaboration and social cohesion.

Anne Lemaistre, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Havana, stressed that placing culture at the heart of education strengthens the foundations of more peaceful societies.

Cecilia Barbieri, Head of UNESCO’s Division of Education for Peace and Global Citizenship, noted that cultural and arts education has long been recognized as a right, but has not always been treated as a policy priority. She said that the adoption of the Framework for Cultural and Arts Education in 2024 marked a historic milestone, as it was the first time the international community had agreed on a comprehensive vision for integrating culture and the arts into education systems worldwide.

Music and Citizenship

Mayra León, Director of the Documentation and Research Centre of Venezuela’s El Sistema music education programme, said that playing in an orchestra teaches students to listen actively, work as a team and resolve conflicts peacefully.

According to programme participant Diana Montero, the orchestra is a place where she can freely express her emotions and feelings through music.

Venezuela’s Vice-Minister of Education Ignacio Barreto emphasized that art must remain at the heart of educational institutions if societies are to build lasting peace.

The Role of Theatre

At San Pablo Polytechnic in Costa Rica, a member of UNESCO’s Associated Schools Network (ASPnet), arts education bridges technical and creative learning.

Students studying computer science use theatre to explore issues such as climate change, marine biodiversity conservation and other environmental challenges.

Computer science student Kerwin Mena said that theatre enables young people to tell stories, explore the relationship between people and nature, and communicate the importance of culture to diverse audiences.

Local Culture

Cuban musician and educator Janio Abreu explained that although Cuba has a well-developed music education system, European musical traditions still dominate school curricula, while the country’s own musical heritage is not sufficiently represented.

To address this gap, he founded the Sonido Auténtico (“Authentic Sound”) school orchestra, where children learn the main genres of traditional Cuban music.

According to Abreu, this approach helps young people develop not only as musicians but also as citizens committed to preserving their cultural identity.

UNESCO concludes that integrating culture and the arts into education is essential not only for developing creativity, but also for promoting democratic values, social inclusion, peaceful coexistence and responsible citizenship.