The 24th session of the Conference of Arab Culture Ministers, held under the theme of “Cultural and Creative Industries and the Challenges of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence,” concluded on January 15, 2025 in Rabat, Morocco, with the adoption of the recommendations submitted by the Standing Committee for Arab Culture, as well as the Plan for the Development of Cultural and Creative Industries in the Arab World.
In the Final Declaration issued at the end of the Conference, the Arab Culture Ministers emphasized the importance of promoting cultural and creative industries, while leveraging the rich Arab human, cultural, and creative potential in this regard. To that end, they underlined the need to develop a platform aimed at pooling efforts and sharing experience and expertise, amid the challenges facing these industries which require a broader expertise and larger markets.
Participants called for taking adequate measures to cautiously keep pace with the changes brought about by artificial intelligence in creative professions, and to address challenges related to skills and ethics. They also called for harnessing the rich cultural qualifications in Arab countries as a driver for economic activity that generates profit and creates job opportunities, especially for vulnerable groups, women, and youth.
The Conference adopted the Plan for the Development of Cultural Industries in Arab Countries, as well as the recommendations submitted by the Standing Committee for Arab Culture. ALECSO was tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Plan and the recommendations, in coordination with the relevant authorities in the Arab countries.
The Ministers commended the significant role undertaken by ALECSO in coordinating Arab efforts and providing conditions for smooth communication and constructive cooperation among Arab countries and institutions. They called on ALECSO to further expand the scope of its cultural programs and future plans.
At the close of the Conference, the Ministers welcomed the offer made by the Republic of Iraq to host the 25th session of the Conference of Arab Culture Ministers in 2026. They also supported Saudi Arabia’s hosting of “Mondiacult" Conference in 2029.
