Joint sessions with Working Groups’ Chairs
The AEC Council meeting covered a wide range of topics and discussions. It was especially noteworthy as it marked the first participation of the AEC Working Group (WG) Chairs, who brought valuable perspectives and expertise to the table.
The WG Chairs and the AEC Council members held joint sessions during which the Chairs presented the progress achieved and the plans for their Working Groups, sought synergies and opportunities for cooperation, and discussed the future format of AEC events and platforms.
In addition, the WG Chairs held a separate meeting to explore synergies, share insights into WG dynamics, exchange good practices, and contribute to the overall themes of future AEC events.
The Council and the WG Chairs also discussed ways to make AEC events even more enriching for a wider range of stakeholders and groups within the AEC membership, and explored mechanisms for offering valuable capacity-building initiatives.
Council reflections following the January Dialogue Session
Following the AEC Members’ Dialogue Session held in January, the AEC Council engaged in an in-depth discussion reflecting on the values that underpin AEC and how these resonate with our members, many of whom demonstrate in their daily work the humanitarian principles that AEC upholds.
The Council sees it as an essential part of AEC’s mission to support music education as a force for dialogue, community and mutual understanding, particularly in times of political and social strain. AEC’s purpose and values are expressed through engagement, connection and support for colleagues working under complex and often fragile circumstances.
During these discussions, the Council also reflected on perspectives shared during the January dialogue session, including the importance of ensuring that a wide range of voices and experiences are represented within AEC’s community and activities. The Council acknowledged that this is an area where further attention is needed, in line with AEC’s values of openness, dialogue and mutual support.
As a result of these reflections, the AEC Council has taken several decisions regarding future initiatives.
First, the Council agreed to continue organising members’ dialogue sessions, building on the experience of the January meeting, in order to better understand members’ perspectives and needs and to facilitate respectful exchange on complex and sometimes sensitive issues.
Second, as part of AEC’s commitment to strengthening dialogue and inclusion within the sector, the Council has decided to invite the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music to explore membership of AEC.
In addition, AEC will take active steps over the coming months to strengthen links between Palestinian musical organisations and AEC member institutions, fostering opportunities for cooperation and professional exchange.
The Council also recognises that these discussions raise broader questions about how AEC’s values are applied in practice and how membership procedures should evolve in response to changing circumstances. The Council therefore agreed that further reflection is needed.
To support this process, the Council has decided to initiate a nine-month review with the aim of developing clearer guidelines for future decision-making. The first outcomes of this work will first be presented to the Council and subsequently to the General Assembly for approval.
AEC warmly invites its members to take part in this ongoing process of constructive reflection and dialogue.
Other Council topics and decisions
The AEC Council has taken major steps toward shaping the organisation’s future, approving key documents including the AEC Global Strategy 2030, the Advocacy Plan, and the Sustainability Action Plan 2025. Members also got a first look at the upcoming Communication Strategy and a draft of AEC’s new visual identity, set to launch later this year. Strengthening ties with MusiQuE and exploring opportunities for closer collaboration were also on the agenda.
Looking ahead, the Council reviewed new membership applications, welcomed new members, and examined feedback from the AEC Congress and Regional Meetings 2025, as well as the AEC PJP 2026. Discussions also focused on how to evolve the format of the Congress and General Assembly, with fresh ideas aimed at creating more space for interactive sessions and hands-on workshops. Preparations are already underway for the next General Assembly, including upcoming elections and open seats.
AEC Congress 2026
The Hamburg meeting marked an important milestone in planning for the 2026 Congress and General Assembly, which will take place from 4 to 7 November 2026. A dedicated Congress Committee meeting followed, diving into both thematic priorities and organisational planning for the event.
The AEC Council also expressed its sincere thanks to the team at Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg for their warm hospitality and support in hosting the meeting.
