Papua New Guinea is represented for the first time at the 10th World Summit on Arts and Culture, which will be held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, from May 27 to 30, 2025. This marks a historic moment, as it is the country’s first participation in the Summit since its inception in 2001. The first summit was held in Canada, and the event has now been running for over two decades.

Papua New Guinea officially joined the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA) as a National Member in 2024. This year, 2025, is the first time PNG participates in the World Summit as a member nation of IFACCA. Representing the country at the Summit is the Executive Director of the PNG National Cultural Commission, Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda.

PNG’s participation in this global event reflects the nation’s strong commitment to recognising, valuing, and promoting its arts and cultural heritage on an international platform. It is a significant step towards placing the country’s unique cultural identity on the world stage.

The World Summit provides a vital opportunity for Papua New Guinea to share its diverse and rich cultural traditions, learn from the experiences of other nations, build lasting international relationships, and explore how arts and culture can contribute to national development—both socially and economically. Insights gained from this event are expected to play a crucial role in shaping and guiding the creation and implementation of cultural policies in Papua New Guinea.

The 10th World Summit on Arts and Culture is expected to gather approximately 400 delegates from 85 different countries. These delegates include key leaders and decision-makers from various areas within the arts and cultural ecosystem, along with professionals from other sectors. The goal is to exchange ideas, debate pressing issues, and explore how we can strengthen the cultural and creative sectors (CCS) amid growing digital and technological changes.

The Summit is focused on co-creating new pathways for the advancement of arts and culture, as well as reinforcing the sector’s role in contributing to the global sustainable development agenda and strengthening local communities. It aims to inspire participants through real-life examples, good practices, and diverse perspectives from across the globe.

Delegates are engaging in dialogue and mutual learning while reflecting on how different knowledge systems, technology, innovation, and digitalisation are influencing the arts and cultural sectors. These discussions are intended to support the transformation, empowerment, decolonisation, and sustainability of communities around the world.

The World Summit on Arts and Culture is organised by IFACCA in partnership with one of its national member organisations. For the 10th edition, the co-hosts are the Arts Council Korea (ARKO) and IFACCA. The Summit is designed to be an inclusive and participatory platform that encourages open exchange among representatives from governments, the cultural sector, civil society, and other fields. It welcomes not only IFACCA members but also the wider international community.