PASCAL 2026, Budapest

PASCAL International Observatory and the CBD Aesthetic Education Initiative

The PASCAL International Observatory is a global network dedicated to advancing lifelong learning, learning cities, social inclusion, sustainable development, and knowledge exchange among researchers, policymakers, universities, communities, and public institutions. Through its Learning Cities Network (LCN) and thematic activities, PASCAL provides an international platform for dialogue, research collaboration, and innovation in education and societal development. (See: Home - PASCAL International Observatory).

At the recent PASCAL gathering in Budapest, a special session was dedicated to Aesthetic Education, bringing together scholars interested in the role of aesthetics, culture, learning, human flourishing, and societal development. During this session, the Culture Based Development (CBD) Economics of Aesthetics framework, developed by Annie Tubadji, was presented and discussed as a novel approach to understanding the economic, educational, and developmental significance of aesthetic experience.

The session marked an important milestone for this emerging research agenda. It was also the occasion on which the forthcoming Special Interest Community (SIC) on Aesthetic Education was formally announced. The SIC aims to provide an international interdisciplinary platform for scholars, educators, artists, policymakers, and practitioners interested in advancing research and practice at the intersection of aesthetics, education, culture, well-being, and human development.

Building on PASCAL's longstanding commitment to learning, inclusion, and innovation, the new SIC will foster collaboration across disciplines and institutions, supporting both theoretical advancements and practical applications of aesthetic education in schools, universities, communities, and public policy. Further activities, meetings, and collaborative initiatives associated with the SIC will be announced in the coming months on our CBD website.