The regional consultation with the Arab States took place in Rabat and online on 13, 15 and 20 January 2025. It brought together representatives from 15 Member States, as well as 2 intergovernmental organizations, 14 national non-governmental organizations and universities, 5 international non-governmental organizations, 6 global specialized networks, 5 UNESCO Chairs and 4 Creative Cities.

On 13 and 15 January, the consultation, chaired by the Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco, was held in the framework of the 24th session of the Ministers in Charge of Culture in the Arab States, at the Arab League of Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO). The Ministers as well as representatives discussed six themes of MONDIACULT 2025, including cultural rights, digital technologies in the culture sector, economy of culture, and culture and climate action. On 20 January, diverse participants across the culture sector including representatives of National Commissions, cultural institutions, NGOs, academia, and city-level actors continued the exchange on diverse subjects.

"MONDIACULT has triggered a shift in the narrative, that truly sustainable development cannot be achieved without culture. Respect for cultural diversity is the cornerstone of a peaceful, equitable society. UNESCO will continue to advocate for the global recognition of culture as a stand-alone goal." said Ernesto Ottone R., Assistant Director-General for Culture of UNESCO.

Throughout the three-day meeting, representatives reviewed the progress made in the implementation of the MONDIACULT 2022 Declaration and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting cultural rights, emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity and rights-based public policies for sustainable development. Integrating cultural heritage into education systems was highlighted as a way to enhance access to culture, along with calls for regionally-tailored culture education programmes using the 2024 UNESCO Framework for Culture and Arts Education as a guide.

"Culture has to be made a stand-alone goal and we have to determine its objectives and priorities." said Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco.

The nexus between culture and new technology dominated the discussion, with Arab States representatives agreeing to work towards equitable access to digital tools and information, addressing the persisting “digital gap.” Innovative approaches like digitizing cultural heritage were mentioned, along with concerns about data and intellectual-property protection and the impact of digital transformation on cultural economies. In addressing the rise of Artificial Intelligence, countries expressed the need for ethical legislative frameworks and AI literacy programmes.

The role of culture in peacebuilding was discussed, particularly its ability to promote tolerance, mutual respect, and healing among conflict-affected communities. Initiatives to engage youth in culture were highlighted, focusing on post-conflict reconciliation and preservation of living heritage practices. Participants advocated for the protection of cultural heritage amid crises through international cooperation, training, emergency preparedness and community-based solutions.

"MONDIACULT is a space open to the participation of civil society and the entire cultural ecosystem. We will also be holding a forum on culture and citizenship in order to strengthen the participation of citizens in the debates. It is important to strengthen cultural rights as a common good." said Ernest Urtasun, Minister of Culture of Spain.

The consultation highlighted the economic and social power of culture, stressing the need for legislative frameworks that support creative industries, including investment in cultural infrastructures and enhanced focus on regional collaboration. 

Finally, the Arab States consultation highlighted the necessity to establishing a stand-alone goal dedicated to culture in the post-2030 agenda, acknowledging its role for peaceful coexistence, social cohesion, and inclusive progress. Participants believed that such a goal would trigger global recognition of the power of culture, unlocking its transformative potential to promote sustainable development for everyone.