Rabat, Morocco – October 2, 2025 – The UNESCO Chair on Intercultural Competence at Stellenbosch University successfully hosted its flagship intercultural conference from September 28 to October 2, 2025, in the vibrant city of Rabat, Morocco. Bringing together around 170 scholars, practitioners, students, and changemakers from across the African continent and the globe, the conference was a powerful demonstration of how intercultural competence is essential to building a more peaceful and connected world.

The conference opened with a warm welcome by UNESCO’s Armin Ibrisimovic followed by inspiring welcome remarks by Chairholder Dr. Darla Deardorff, who emphasised the urgency of authentic intercultural engagement in today’s fractured global landscape. Her call to listen, learn, and lead through empathy set the tone for an event marked by depth, authenticity, and passion.

A highlight of the conference was the keynote address delivered by Dr. Mohammed Elmeski, Senior Education Policy Advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister, Morocco, whose thought-provoking insights explored the transformative power of intercultural competence in education, community leadership, and policy within the African continent. 

One of the most moving sessions was the Student Plenary Panel, where youth from diverse backgrounds captivated the audience with their heartfelt reflections on intercultural competence. Participants listened raptly as students shared why this work is more vital than ever in today’s world and highlighted the urgent need for intergenerational dialogue and genuine inclusion of youth voices in shaping global futures.

The conference also featured engaging pre-conference workshops, including a highly participatory session on UNESCO Story Circles, equipping attendees with practical tools for fostering intercultural dialogue in their own communities.

In addition to academic and experiential sessions, the event included a student performance of contemporary Moroccan music and a powerful film screening, reinforcing the role of storytelling in bridging cultural divides.

Participants praised the conference for its refreshing authenticity, heartfelt commitment, and depth of conversation. Rather than focusing solely on academic discourse, the gathering created a space for vulnerable sharing, community-building, and a renewed dedication to fostering intercultural understanding worldwide.

As one participant noted, "This was not just a conference, it was a movement. A call to action to lead with compassion, listen deeply, and champion a more just and peaceful world."

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