Opening of the UNESCO Week of Sound 2026: Listening as a foundation for peace and innovation

On 19 January 2026, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, H.E. Khondker M. Talha, President of the 43rd session of the General Conference, officially opened the 23rd UNESCO Week of Sound, reaffirming the central role of sound in dialogue, innovation and peace.

Celebrating its 10th edition under UNESCO's auspices, the 2026 Week of Sound takes place from 19 January to 1 February in Paris, across France and in more than 20 countries worldwide. Under the theme "Sound and Innovation," this year's event is exploring how scientific and technological advances are reshaping our relationship with sound, from hearing health and sound environments to culture, education and the economy.

In his opening remarks, the President of the General Conference underlined the many ways in which sound shapes how societies communicate, include and understand one another. As an energy-audible, visible and palpable-sound can connect people, carry meaning and act as a true agent of change. Recalling UNESCO's mandate, he stated: