The AEC Global Strategy 2030 sets out the Association Européenne des Conservatoires’ vision for an open, connected and future-oriented higher music education community. Building on AEC’s longstanding international engagement and its Strategy 2030, the document responds to a rapidly changing global context shaped by geopolitical tensions, ecological and social crises, digital transformation, and growing awareness of equity, ethical responsibility and decolonisation.
The strategy positions global cooperation not as a separate area of activity, but as a cross-cutting dimension of AEC’s European mission. It translates AEC’s strategic priorities—anticipating trends, advocating for change, promoting excellence, quality and diversity, and building alliances—into a global context. Four objectives guide action towards 2030: strengthening global networks and partnerships; promoting ethical, inclusive and sustainable cooperation; enhancing quality and innovation through global exchange; and strengthening global advocacy for music and arts education.
A central principle is the development of more reciprocal and equitable forms of international cooperation. The strategy explicitly addresses historical power imbalances and commits AEC to moving beyond Europe-centred models of internationalisation towards partnerships based on shared authority, co-creation, mutual learning and long-term relationships. It also embeds diversity, equity and inclusion, sustainability, wellbeing and responsible digitalisation—including AI—across international activities.
By 2030, AEC aims to strengthen its global network, deepen partnerships beyond Europe, foster innovative educational and artistic exchange, improve the quality and inclusiveness of mobility, and amplify the voice of higher music education in international policy debates. The strategy ultimately positions music and arts education as an important contributor to cultural diversity, social cohesion, sustainability, artistic freedom and democratic societies worldwide
