In 2026, the Founding Charter of the World Olymp‘Arts Council (WOAC) marks its 31st anniversary. Over the past 31 years, the World Olymp‘Arts Council has remained committed to promoting international exchange through art and advancing mutual understanding among civilizations through culture. It has continuously brought together artistic forces from around the world and built an international platform for artistic collaboration across countries, cultures and disciplines. At this new milestone in its development, the World Olymp‘Arts Council is entering a phase of rapid global growth with a more open, professional and international approach.

I. The 30th Anniversary Conference of the Founding Charter Builds Global Consensus Through Art

On July 16, 2025, the World Olymp‘Arts Council held the 30th Anniversary Conference of its Founding Charter at UNESCO.

The conference brought together renowned artists, government officials and political leaders, representatives of international organizations, heads of cultural institutions and business representatives from 80 countries. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on artistic development, cultural exchange, dialogue among civilizations and global artistic collaboration. Together, they reviewed the 30-year development of the World Olymp‘Arts Council and explored the future direction of international cooperation in the arts.

During the conference, representatives from more than 70 countries jointly signed the WOAC Declaration. The Declaration further consolidated the shared principles of artistic and cultural communities and international partners from around the world. It expressed their common vision of promoting peace through art, advancing mutual learning among civilizations, and strengthening international cultural exchange and artistic collaboration.

The signing of the WOAC Declaration not only summarized the achievements of the World Olymp‘Arts Council over the past 30 years, but also marked the beginning of a new phase in the development of its global artistic collaboration network.

II. The 31st Anniversary Opens a New Phase of Rapid Global Development

On the occasion of its 31st anniversary, the World Olymp‘Arts Council has officially entered a new phase of rapid global development.

The World Olymp‘Arts Council is continuing to strengthen its international artistic cooperation system and expand into new areas of collaboration, including traditional art, contemporary art, digital art, moving-image art, performing arts, arts education, public-interest cultural initiatives, and art and technology.

As its global cooperation network continues to expand, an increasing number of artists, art institutions, cultural projects and international partners are joining the global arts ecosystem of the World Olymp‘Arts Council. International exhibitions, art forums, professional committees, youth arts programmes, art awards and cross-border cultural cooperation projects are also progressing steadily.

The World Olymp‘Arts Council is evolving from an international platform for artistic exchange into a global platform for artistic collaboration that connects artists, cultural institutions, international organizations, businesses and broader social forces.

III. Two Distinguished International Figures Appointed as Honorary Presidents

Of particular significance, in early 2026, the World Olymp‘Arts Council formally appointed Ms. Irina Bokova, former Director-General of UNESCO, and Mr. Kim Won-soo, former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, as Honorary Presidents of the World Olymp‘Arts Council.

Ms. Irina Bokova has long been dedicated to education, science, culture, the protection of world heritage and dialogue among civilizations. She has exercised broad international influence in advancing international cultural cooperation and promoting cultural diversity.

Mr. Kim Won-soo has extensive experience in international affairs and multilateral cooperation and has long focused on world peace, global governance, sustainable development and international cooperation.

The appointment of these two distinguished international figures as Honorary Presidents will further enhance the international influence of the World Olymp‘Arts Council and provide important support for its work in global artistic exchange, mutual learning among civilizations, international cultural cooperation and sustainable development.

Their appointments also reflect the World Olymp‘Arts Council’s commitment to strengthening its international governance system, bringing together high-level global resources, and fostering deeper connections between art and international public affairs.

IV. Connecting the World Through Art and Creating the Future Together

Thirty-one years represent both a moment of historical reflection and the beginning of a new journey.

Looking to the future, the World Olymp‘Arts Council will continue to uphold its core mission of “Connecting the World Through Art.” It will further strengthen the global coordination of artistic resources, promote the coordinated development of traditional art and digital technology, and support exchanges and collaboration among creators from different countries, cultural backgrounds and artistic disciplines.

From the 30th Anniversary Conference of the Founding Charter to the new phase of rapid development marked by its 31st anniversary, the World Olymp‘Arts Council is moving forward with a stronger international vision and a clearer development path. By connecting the world through art and bringing together global strengths, it is working to create a more open, diverse and dynamic future for the arts worldwide.

Official Email: contact@olymparts.org