Artificial intelligence is emerging as a powerful force in transforming cultural practices across the Arab region, opening new ways to preserve, teach, and create culture. Responding to this shift, the UNESCO Cairo Office organized a six-month webinar series from January to June 2025 under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Culture: A Lead-up Activity to MONDIACULT 2025.”
The series convened around 40 leading experts and more than 400 participants, including officials from ministries of culture, tourism, and communications, as well as representatives of universities, museums, NGOs, and diplomatic missions. Discussions highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into cultural governance and practice.
Six cultural domains under focus
Over six sessions, the series explored how AI is impacting key areas of culture and heritage:
- AI and Documentary Heritage – 21 January 2025
- AI and Intangible Cultural Heritage – 21 February 2025
- AI and Underwater Cultural Heritage – 27 March 2025
- AI and Cultural and Creative Industries – 29 April 2025
- AI and the Protection of Cultural Property in Emergencies – 27 May 2025
- AI and World Heritage Sites – 19 June 2025
- AI and Culture in the Arab Region: Regional Vision from Cairo – 25 June 2025
These themes were anchored in UNESCO’s international instruments, including the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the 1972 World Heritage Convention, and the 1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in Armed Conflict. The discussions underlined the importance of ethical and inclusive cultural policies in the digital era.
A regional vision from Cairo
The series concluded on 25 June 2025 with a hybrid workshop in Cairo, bringing together more than 80 policymakers, researchers, and cultural leaders. Participants articulated a regional vision for how AI can support cultural sustainability, innovation, and education, with examples of AI being used to preserve heritage and reinterpret traditions across the Arab world.
From insights to MONDIACULT 2025
The UNESCO Cairo Office has compiled the findings of the series into a forthcoming publication: “Artificial Intelligence and Culture: A Contribution from UNESCO Office in Cairo to MONDIACULT 2025.” This document will serve as a strategic input to MONDIACULT 2025, highlighting emerging practices and models of collaboration, and reinforcing Cairo’s role in shaping responsible digital transformation in culture across the Arab region.
