The JMI Global is an annual international event that brings together the world of youth and music to explore the future, build bridges, strengthen collaboration and create all kinds of awesome!
The JMI Global is a 2-day conference that takes delegates on a journey of reflection, discovery and learning from around the measures being taken in the international youth-music community to create more resilient and sustainable cultural movements that enable youth to creatively thrive.
The JMI Global is an open event for anyone engaged in the world of youth and music. It features showcases by amazing young musicians, inspirational talks, vibrant networking, wonderous workshops and more! The JMI Global provides something for everybody, sparking collaboration and exchange in order to make a greater impact on the world through music.
In 2025 we're heading to
Debrecen, Hungary!
Debrecen, the vibrant cultural heart of Eastern Hungary, has been selected to host the JMI Global 2025.
Prepare yourself for an inspiring journey through the diverse traditions and rich history of Hungary as we explore key themes addressing the evolving landscape of music education, navigating music careers amidst uncertainty, and the transformative role of technology in shaping the future of music.
Delegates will have the unique chance to visit the renowned Kodály Philharmonic Debrecen, experience Hungary’s celebrated folk music heritage, and connect with influential voices in the local music scene.
Introducing the JMI Unity 80 Orchestra
A special project celebrating 80 years of making a difference through music!
The Program
PERFORMANCE
The
Sixsters
UKRAINE
The epic all-girl pop rock band from Ukraine that is taking Europe by storm! The Sixsters bring a fresh, energertic and moving energy to every performance with powerful lyrics and a message that has earned them a place as JMI Fair Play Ambassadors.
SPEAKER
Eddie
Hatitye
SOUTH AFRICA
Eddie is the founder and director of Music In Africa, a continental force working to put African music on the map and empower African artists across the continent. Producing the annual showcase festival and conference - ACCESS - Eddie and his team are making waves of change!
PERFORMANCE
Góbé
Orchestra
HUNGARY
Góbé reaches out to authentic folk music daringly and with a willingness to experiment. The members play folk songs on acoustic instruments, without any constraints. Venturing among music genres they compose a kind of “folk pop” that is both entertaining & contemporary.
SPEAKER
Arn
Chorn-Pond
CAMBODIA
Arn Chorn-Pond is a musician, survivor of the Cambodian genocide, human rights activist, and founder of Cambodian Living Arts and Living Arts International. Born into a family of artists, Arn grew up in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge regime. Sent to a child labor camp and forced to play propaganda music during that period, Arn escaped to a refugee camp on the Cambodia-Thai border, where he was adopted by Reverend Peter Pond and moved to New Hampshire.
PERFORMANCE
Kodály Competition Gala
INTERNATIONAL
The Kodály Competition is an international classical music competition held in Hungary, honoring composer Zoltán Kodály.It focuses on conducting, string quartets, and vocal performance, promoting Kodály’s musical heritage.
The competition emphasizes artistic excellence and education, often including masterclasses and workshops.
Held in Kodály’s birthplace, Kecskemét, it attracts young professional musicians from around the world.
SPEAKER
Robert
Manchin
HUNGARY
Robert Manchin is a sociologist, economist, and musician who trained at the Bartók Conservatory and Franz Liszt Academy, later playing with the Hungarian State Philharmonic Orchestra. His research into youth musical protest and Kodály-method schools led to teaching roles across the U.S. and Europe. Before Hungary’s first free elections, he engaged in public discourse through samizdat publications. From 1990 to 2014, he held senior positions at the Gallup Organization, leading global research on well-being and emerging technologies. From 2015 to , he has also served as President of Culture Action Europe.
The JMI Global is supported by
