The Izmir Mediterranean Academy is looking for artists "who define their melodies, dances, and performances as Mediterranean" (particularly those from Mediterranean countries) to perform at the Mediterranean Music and Dance Festival, 

The open call and application form are available.

Deadline for application is set on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 17:30 (Turkish time). 

The #Culture2030Goal campaign has recently released its roadmap for 2025 towards the development and adoption of a Culture Goal in global development agendas.

In this context, the campaign has launched a survey and invites you to share your insights. Take the survey here!

On behalf of the global municipal movement, the IOPD, the UCLG Committee on Culture and UCLG extend heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the global community of colleagues and students who had the privilege of working alongside him. His work and passion will not be forgotten.

With profound sadness, the IOPD, the Committee on Culture and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) mourn the passing of Professor Yves Cabannes, an eminent scholar, passionate advocate for social justice, and tireless champion of participatory democracy and urban rights.

Professor Cabannes dedicated his life to fostering inclusive cities and empowering local communities worldwide. He was instrumental in consolidating local government associations, particularly in Latin America, where his leadership within the UN Habitat-UNDP Management Programme laid the foundation for extensive capacity-building initiatives. These initiatives empowered activists and strengthened the municipal movement.

His pioneering work on participatory budgeting reshaped the way cities engage with their citizens, inspiring countless local governments and practitioners. Professor Cabannes's efforts have left an indelible mark on our shared commitment to advancing democratic innovation and urban equality. Beyond his academic brilliance, Yves was not only a brilliant thinker, but a kind and generous mentor, guiding municipal activists over decades. His work and passion will not be forgotten. 

Read the full news here.

UNESCO, together with the Spanish Ministry for Culture organised six regional consultations as the cornerstone of the inclusive and participatory process leading up to MONDIACULT 2025.

Each group examined the implementation of the MONDIACULT 2022 Declaration, identifying emerging challenges and opportunities in the cultural sector, and mobilizing Member States and regional actors for MONDIACULT 2025.

The recommendations to advance advocacy for the inclusion of a stand-alone culture goal in global development agendas and frameworks, gathered during the Regional consultations, will feed the MONDIACULT 2025 discussions.

See more here.

On 11 December 2024, from 14.00 to 16.30 CET, the UCLG Culture Committee, in cooperation with UCLG-Africa and partners (TBC) with the support of the European Union organised a webinar on "The Culture Capitals and the Culture Goal. Working to Boost the Connections between Regional Initiatives and Global Challenges".

In order to prepare the webinar, we asked you 
- A brief explanation on your relation with the Culture Goal 
- What question would you like the webinar to address?

The agenda of the meeting is available here.

Register here: https://forms.gle/8wHG3o3h6EYAgSfi8

The Climate heritage Network (CHN) has recently launched a global call to the UNFCCC to include cultural heritage, the arts and creative sectors in climate policy. 

Check out and add your voice to the call here.