Tessa Jowell, secretary of culture, media and sport, officially opened the Third World Summit on the Arts and Culture in Newcastle-Gateshead, which was held on 14-17 June.

The summit – organised by the International Federation of Arts Councils and Cultural Agencies (IFACCA) – attracted key people in cultural policy and regional development from around the world to discuss the impact of government and non-governmental agencies on cultural regeneration.

Topics included the roles played by arts councils, government agencies and the media, the benefits of diversity and public and private partnerships and the impact of arts and culture on societies.

In her opening speech, Jowell said: “I want to congratulate Arts Council England North East for their vision in bringing such a prestigious event to this country. Winning the right to host this conference is the equivalent to hosting the Olympics for arts and culture practitioners.” Details: www.culture.gov.uk