As part of UNESCO’s World Heritage initiatives, specialists have met to discuss strategies for improving conservation, increasing community participation and addressing the impact of climate change and conflict on heritage sites across Africa. The programme encourages collaboration between African Member States and international partners.

The discussions also focused on capacity-building, technical assistance and sustainable tourism, recognising that heritage protection contributes to economic development while preserving cultural identity. UNESCO continues to support countries in implementing the World Heritage Convention through training and international cooperation.

The initiative reflects UNESCO’s wider commitment to cultural diplomacy by encouraging dialogue between governments, experts and local communities. Through shared responsibility for protecting heritage, Member States strengthen international partnerships and promote mutual understanding.

By supporting Africa’s rich cultural legacy, UNESCO demonstrates how heritage conservation can serve as a bridge between nations while contributing to peace, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue.

• https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/international-conference-cultural-heritage-africa-dialogue-concept-authenticity
• https://whc.unesco.org/
• https://www.unesco.org/en/culture