In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the International Council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communication (CICT-ICFT), Official Partner of UNESCO, and the Platform for Creativity & Innovation (PCI) jointly hosted a landmark event at Expo 2025 Osaka on August 28, 2025. Organized under the banner of the Art & Tech for a Sustainable Future (ATSF) Program, this gathering brought together global policymakers, cultural leaders, artists, technologists, creative entrepreneurs, and youth delegates to reflect on the Convention’s impact and explore new intersections between art, technology, and sustainability.

The celebration opened with a video message from Mr. Ernesto Renato Ottone Ramírez, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture, who underscored the enduring relevance of the Convention in the digital age. A keynote address by Mr. Giacomo Mazzone, Secretary General of Eurovisioni and Executive Member of CICT-ICFT, explored the Convention’s role in shaping ethical and cultural frameworks in the era of artificial intelligence.

Representatives from national pavilions including Algeria, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, the UAE, Vietnam, and others enriched the discussion with diverse cultural perspectives. Notable speakers included Mr. Matt Fraser, Deputy Commissioner General of the Canada Pavilion; Ms. Xiaochen Ma, Director of the China National Tourist Office in Osaka, representing the China Pavilion; Mr. Jacques Maire, Commissioner General of the France Pavilion; and Ms. Rossella Menegazzo, Head of the Cultural Sector at the Italy Pavilion. Their remarks showcased their countries’ cultural assets while emphasizing creativity and cultural diversity as catalysts for sustainable development.

Ms. Xueyuan Hun, Vice President of CICT-ICFT, unveiled the ATSF Program’s first public presentation on the international stage. Framing ATSF as a direct response to global challenges, she posed the central question: “What if art and technology didn’t just respond to the future, but actively designed it?” She positioned ATSF as a movement at the intersection of art, technology, and sustainability- a platform to foster cross-border collaboration, immersive cultural experiences, and an inclusive creative ecosystem for the future.

Furthermore, the event featured thematic discussions on the future of storytelling and immersive cultural experiences, AI and the ethics of creativity, visions for art and technology in shaping sustainable societies, bringing together artists, technologists, and policymakers from diverse cultural backgrounds. Creators in AI, digital arts, film, intangible cultural heritage, and education also shared their journeys and highlighted the sustainable impact of their work. The program was further enriched by “The Vitruvian Woman”, a captivating live body art performance by Italian artist Francesca Chialà, and a soulful Mongolian morin khuur performance. The art exhibitions, science games, and interactive activities set up in the exhibition area also attracted enthusiastic participation from the audience, creating a vibrant atmosphere and highlighting the unique charm of the integration of art and technology.

Far from being just a commemoration, the ATSF Program’s debut at Expo 2025 Osaka marks the start of a growing global movement. It launched an international network committed to shaping a future that is technologically innovative, culturally rich, and environmentally sustainable.