Under the High Patronage of His Excellency Mr. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa will host the first-ever World Music and Tourism Festival. UN Tourism is a partner in the event, reinforcing that culture and tourism are both important for sustainable development as well as for building understanding and peace.
The festival, themed “Rumba Route for Peace”, will show how music can bring cultures together, create opportunities, and strengthen communities. The festival also supports the national effort to promote culture, increase the creative economy and create peace through cultural exchange.
Music, Innovation, and Heritage
The festival will focus on the Congolese Rumba, which is set to be recognized by UNESCO as a world music in 2021, and its importance in shaping identity and touristism. UN Tourism is part a wider effort to link cultural resources to inclusive growth, cross-cultural exchange and tourism across Africa.
A three-day programme of culture and collaboration
Roundtables will be held on:
- Musical diplomacy to promote peace
- Copyrights for artists and fair payment
- Music and Destination Branding
- Digital innovation and youth in culture
As well as
- A Cultural Village & Exhibition Centre
- Congolese and International Artists Perform
- Masterclass “Fair Play for Artists and Entrepreneurs”
- Gala Dinner with Rumba Theme, Welcome and Cultural Tours
As Mr. As Mr. Didier Musanga M’Pambia, Minister of Tourism of Democratic Republic of Congo stated: The Festival will bring voices together to explore how music influences lives, drives economic opportunities, and, through innovation and technological advancement, fosters greater connections among people.
The Festival’s mix of music and dialogue with networking is a reflection of its commitment to inclusive growth, a goal that UN Tourism shares, as it supports culture as an engine of sustainable development and shared prosperity.
Platform for Exchange
The Festival brings together participants from government, businesses, civil society, and organizations. UNESCO is confirmed as a partner, along with ARIPO, Sony Music Entertainment and Sound Diplomacy. Also, cultural leaders in Africa, Latin America and Europe have been confirmed.
Music has a universal appeal. This Festival offers a unique opportunity to celebrate Congolese culture and creativity, while also supporting regional co-operation, international understanding, and local development. UN Tourism is proud of its support for an initiative that highlights the potential shared by tourism and culture in fostering peace, building bridges and unlocking opportunities. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili
This festival offers a unique opportunity to celebrate Congolese culture and creativity, while also supporting regional development, international understanding, and local cooperation.
Join Us In Kinshasa
The Festival, which is open to youth, professionals, and the general public, invites them to explore how music, identity,and tourism intersect. The Festival offers performances and policy discussions that remind us how culture can be a bridge to peace and connection.
UN Tourism
UN Tourism is a United Nations agency that promotes responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible travel. UN Tourism is an intergovernmental organization with 160 member states, 6 associate members, 2 observers, and more than 500 affiliate members. The General Assembly, the Organization’s supreme organ, is composed of 160 Member States. In consultation with the Secretariat, the Executive Council implements the General Assembly’s decisions and recommends and reports back to the Assembly. UN Tourism is headquartered in Madrid, Spain. The Secretary General election will take place in May 2025.
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