AMPLIFYING HOPE: A MESSAGE FROM THE 80TH JMI GLOBAL

From the 11th to the 14th of July, the city of Debrecen (Hungary) became an epicentre of international music exchange, creativity and collaboration, as it hosted the JM International’s 80th Global Conference and Annual General Assembly (AGA). This year’s edition brought together cultural leaders, youth delegates, artists, and music professionals from over 50 countries from across 5 continents to celebrate the past eight decades, and envisage new ways to connect and empower young people through music.

The event was both a celebration of JMI’s 80th anniversary and JM Hungary’s 60th anniversary, taking on an extra special significance and a reminder of the living legacy that has been built through global collaboration, as well as the necessity of continuing our work amidst the global challenges we face as an international cultural community. It was a powerful moment to reflect, reconnect, and reimagine the future of music and youth.

The JMI Global is a unique music conference that incorporates a variety of interactive sessions designed to foster critical dialogue around some of the most pressing issues affecting music and youth today. The event featured a powerful lineup of speakers and lived experiences that underscored the transformative role of music in society. Along this journey we heard from Arn Chorn-Pond, the Cambodian musician and cultural icon who shared his remarkable journey growing up during the Cambodian genocide, emphasising how music served as his only salvation in times of unimaginable hardship. His message reminded us that music is not only an artform but a lifeline, a tool for survival, healing, and rebuilding. Dr. Judit Váradi (Hungary) introduced us to the world of Hungarian concert pedagogy, exploring music through the lens of the sound–play–music experience, whilst Veronika Pásku gave a wonderful introduction to Hungarian folklore and instruments, leading the audience in a traditional group song. The Sixsters, a young Ukrainian punk-rock band, spoke candidly about their personal and musical journey and the power of music in shaping identity, finding freedom, and building resilience in the face of war and upheaval. Their message was clear: music empowers youth to speak up and stand strong. Robert Manchin, Hungarian musician, sociologist and former President of Culture Action Europe, reflected on 80 years of JMI and music as a carrier of hope, drawing from decades of research on the shifting landscape of socio-economic development. Finally, Zeina Khoury (Palestine) gave a moving presentation on the work of The Edward Said National Conservatory of Music and Palestinian National Youth Orchestra, using music as a form of resistance in such difficult times. She shed light on the daily challenges of working under occupation, and how even just making music becomes an act of defiance, dignity, and unity.

Through participatory discussions, delegates jointly tackled topics such as:

• Music in Hard Times, where participants shared the immediate impacts of current global conflicts and political shifts on their local music scenes, from budget cuts and censorship to restricted mobility and shrinking space for expression. Yet, resilience echoed throughout: from community-driven initiatives to cultural lobbying and cross-border collaborations, the music community continues to respond with creativity and determination.

• Global Inclusion, a session focused on the evolving concept of inclusion within the international space. Attendees explored what it means to create inclusive musical spaces, from the national and regional context to the world stage. From accessibility and intersectionality to age diversity and representation, the conversation centred around intentional practices that go beyond tokenism.

• Past, Present & Future, a discussion that reflected on the progress made over the past 80 years, from increased access to music and information to greater intercultural exchange, before looking ahead, where discussions turned to how climate change, AI, and shifting geopolitics may impact our sector. While concerns like polarisation and reduced funding for culture were raised, many emphasised the growing relevance of music in fostering empathy, dialogue, and peace.

The JMI Global featured several musical highlights with performances by Due Pro Una, Góbé Orchestra, The Sixsters, and the Kodály Competition Laureates as well as an extraordinary performance by the JMI Unity 80 Orchestra, which brought together 30 exceptional young musicians from over 15 countries for a breathtaking concert at Debrecen’s Frans Liszt Hall, under the direction of internationally acclaimed conductor Patrick Hahn.

During the week in Debrecen JMI also hosted the JMI EQ Youth Training in Cultural Management, which aimed to empower young cultural leaders from around Europe. Sessions focused on inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility with relation to leadership and personal development, marketing, grant writing and more; equipping participants with the tools and skills to shape more inclusive and impactful music initiatives.

The JMI Global was followed by the organisation’s Annual General Assembly (AGA), serving as the official platform for providing JMI’s member organisations with the possibility to steer the direction of the network through elections, updates, and organisational developments. During the AGA a new JMI Board was appointed, bringing in new voices to guide the organisation into its next chapter. The JMI Board 2025-26 are:

Nenad Bogdanovic (Cyprus) – President

Joelle Khayat (Lebanon) – Vice-President

Paul Soyeur (Belgium) – Treasurer

Faisal Kiwewa (Uganda) – Board Member

Gustaf Elmelid (Sweden) – Board Member

Patrick Lenaers (Belgium) – Board Member

Maria Concepcion Neuling Pereira (Chile) – Board Member

Verica Ajtovska (Macedonia) – Board Member

Yu Hongmei (China) – Board Member

Blasko Smilevski (Belgium/Macedonia) – Executive Director (Exofficio)

Additionally, the JMI family welcomed 4 new members, further expanding the network’s global reach and mission to provide music opportunities for youth globally:

• M-Tafsiri Africa – a Kenyan organisation that uses music, storytelling, and cultural education to empower youth and amplify African voices.
• Offshoots Midlands UK – an arts organisation dedicated to empowering underrepresented youth through music, empowerment, and creative expression.
• Ritornello Foundation – a Spanish association where young musicians work towards making symphonic and traditional music accessible to everyone.
• Salzburger Volkskultur – an Austrian cultural organization committed to preserving and promoting traditional folk arts, music, and customs in the Salzburg region.

The 80th JMI Global + AGA was once more an important reminder that youth, music, and international cooperation remain essential components of the global movement for peace, unity and understanding. Music and music initiatives are a crucial means for youth to navigate today’s uncertainties: from grassroots initiatives to policy-level advocacy. The JMI network is more than ever committed to ensuring that young people and children are enabled through music to develop across all boundaries.

To all who joined us in Debrecen, thank you for being part of this historic moment. Thank you to JM Hungary and the city of Debrecen for so graciously hosting us, and thank you to all our members for keeping the JMI dream alive for 80 years!

Here’s to the next 80 years of making a difference through music!