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UNESCO trains more Africa’s students on entrepreneurship in creative arts

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2 years ago

In line with its mission to promote and safeguard the diversity of cultural expressions in Africa, the UNESCO Institute for African Culture and International Understanding (IACIU) recently provided training to a new group of young Africans in entrepreneurial skills for careers in the creative and cultural industries.

This free training program, similar to the previous three editions, hosted over 50 participants from across Africa. The event took place at the institute’s office located at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, last week.

Emeritus Professor Peter Okebukola, the institute’s director and former executive secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), welcomed the participants to the forum. He emphasized UNESCO’s commitment to exposing and equipping African youth, especially those in educational institutions with an interest in the creative arts, with the necessary knowledge and skills to become successful entrepreneurs in the cultural and creative industries.

He expressed his belief that, upon completion of the training, the students would not only make a career in these industries in the future but also immediately contribute by creating goods and providing services in their respective locations.

Ambassador Adebola Labiran, former Nigerian High Commissioner to India and now Senior Programme Advisor to the UNESCO Institute for African Culture and International Understanding, represented the institute at the forum.

Okebukola highlighted the importance of digital education in training, stating that sound digital knowledge and skills have become imperative for anyone looking to stay relevant in the 21st-century economy. Digital education is a significant opportunity offered by the program, enabling trainees to explore digital spaces for more effective and profitable work.

The institute recognizes that cultural and creative industries are essential for economic growth, reducing inequalities, and achieving the goals outlined in the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Consequently, they are working tirelessly to encourage more African youth to embrace and explore the diverse opportunities provided by the cultural and creative industries, which are already giving birth to new entrepreneurs in this sector.

Okebukola revealed that the institute’s plan is to train over 200 young people in creative arts by 2025. He emphasized their commitment to raising awareness about the UNESCO 2005 Convention and encouraging signatory countries, including Nigeria, to leverage the digital environment to promote and reap the numerous benefits of the Convention.

He added that every participant in this training program should understand that cultural goods and services represent people’s identity, values, and meaning. Therefore, these cultural expressions should not be treated as mere commodities or consumer goods. The institute is encouraging signatory countries to take appropriate measures to protect and promote the diversity of cultural expressions and ensure the free flow of ideas and works among themselves.

Okebukola also stressed that achieving this objective, particularly in Africa, requires the concerted efforts and support of states’ parties to the Convention and their people.”

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