South Korea to host 10th World Summit on Arts and Culture in May 2025

The event will bring together global leaders, policymakers, and cultural professionals to address the future of the cultural and creative sectors (CCS) in the face of unprecedented global challenges.

Building on reflections from the 9th World Summit held in Stockholm, Sweden in May 2023, the upcoming event will emphasise the need to adapt to a rapidly changing world marked by interconnected crises, or “polycrisis.” It aims to provide a platform for reimagining cultural policies, leveraging digital innovation, and creating sustainable pathways for the arts and culture sector globally.

The Seoul Summit arrives at a pivotal time, preceding the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development (MONDIACULT 2025), scheduled for September 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. MONDIACULT is expected to reaffirm the essential role of culture in sustainable development and advocate for its inclusion as a standalone goal in the post-2030 global agenda.

“The 10th Summit will not only address how the cultural sector can navigate current challenges but also co-create actionable solutions to futureproof the sector in light of evolving digital and technological realities,” the  organisers said.

The Summit will explore practical strategies for strengthening the cultural ecosystem through three main thematic clusters: Knowledge Systems and Agency, Participatory Systems and Connectedness and Digital Systems and Technology. Delegates will gain insights from lived experiences, best practices, and global perspectives. The programme will feature dialogues, case studies, and sessions designed to provoke thought and inspire action.

A roadmap for resilience and inclusion

As the cultural sector grapples with global challenges such as economic instability, climate change, and technological disruptions, the summit will emphasise the importance of diversity, openness, and systemic change. It seeks to empower participants to address pressing issues, maximizse opportunities, and create sustainable solutions for the arts and culture landscape.

In light of the polycrisis, the 10th Summit underscores the need to harness knowledge as a critical resource and adapt to diverse digital realities and power dynamics. By fostering dialogue and mutual learning, it aims to equip cultural leaders with the tools needed to influence sustainable development agendas globally and within local contexts.

Click here for more information about the 10th World Summit on Arts and Culture.