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What you need to know about the International Conference on Cultural Heritage in Africa
What is the International Conference on Cultural Heritage in Africa?
It is an international gathering dedicated to rethinking and redefining the concepts of authenticity and integrity in the context of African heritage. The event, organized by UNESCO, in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Kenya and the African World Heritage Fund, will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 6–9 May 2025. It will unite heritage experts, government officials, local communities, NGOs, and academics from across Africa and the world.
Why is this conference happening now?
Africa is home to an extraordinary wealth of cultural and natural heritage — yet it remains underrepresented on the . Currently, African sites make up only 12.26% of the 1,223 World Heritage properties globally, despite the continent’s significance as the cradle of humanity. Additionally, Africa has the highest number of endangered heritage sites worldwide.
The conference seeks to address the gap between global heritage frameworks and African realities, particularly how authenticity and integrity are defined and applied.
Why focus on authenticity and integrity?
These two concepts are essential for any site seeking recognition on the World Heritage List. However, their current definitions often reflect Western perspectives and do not fully account for Africa’s living, evolving relationship with heritage.
For African communities, heritage is not always fixed or preserved in its original form — it is dynamic, tied to daily life, community identity, and continuous change. The conference will explore how to adapt these global heritage standards to better reflect African experiences.
What are the main goals of the conference?
The event is designed to:
- Foster a shared understanding of authenticity and integrity tailored to African contexts, helping the world better recognize the unique value of African heritage.
- Engage a wide range of stakeholders — from policy-makers and heritage experts to Indigenous communities and youth — in defining what African heritage means today.
- Promote inclusive conservation practices that respect both local traditions and global conservation principles.
- Strengthen Africa’s presence on the World Heritage List by refining nomination processes and enhancing site management strategies.
What outcomes can participants expect?
The Nairobi conference will focus on producing concrete, lasting results:
- Policy Recommendations: A set of actionable proposals for the World Heritage Committee, designed to help reshape global conservation guidelines with Africa’s perspectives in mind.
- Scientific Publications: A peer-reviewed volume capturing the conference’s research, discussions, and expert insights — a new reference point for heritage professionals worldwide.
Who will benefit from this conference?
The conference is designed to benefit a wide array of groups including:
- African States Parties to the World Heritage Convention.
- Local and indigenous communities who are the custodians of heritage sites.
- Academics, heritage professionals, NGOs, and policymakers.
- International heritage advisory bodies like ICOMOS, ICCROM, and IUCN.
- UNESCO Category 2 Centres, research institutes, and universities across Africa and beyond.
Who will participate?
Participants include:
- Government representatives from World Heritage Convention States Parties.
- Advisory Body experts and heritage scholars.
- Indigenous peoples, community leaders, and minority groups.
- NGOs, civil society, and cultural institutions.
Speakers will be selected through an open abstract submission process, reviewed by a scientific and steering committee.
Why does this matter for Africa and the world?
This conference represents a turning point for African heritage conservation. It will challenge outdated assumptions and empower African communities to take the lead in defining, protecting, and promoting their own cultural and natural treasures.
By anchoring authenticity and integrity in Africa’s lived realities, the conference aims to open the door for more African sites to be recognized — not just as historical artifacts, but as living heritage that reflects the continent’s diverse and evolving identities.
- More on the Conference
