African Countries Convene in Algiers for Heritage Protection

Algeria, in its capital Algiers, hosted a significant regional workshop dedicated to the safeguarding of African intangible cultural heritage. The opening ceremony was presided over by Ms. Malika Bendouda, Minister of Culture and Arts. The event brought together representatives, specifically contact points, from African states that are parties to the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Experts and officials from various international organizations, including UNESCO and the Regional Centre for Training and Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Africa (CRESPAF), were also in attendance, alongside Algerian experts.

This initiative aimed to enhance the capacities of African nations in the domain of intangible cultural heritage protection and to foster stronger cooperation across the continent. Minister Bendouda underscored that the gathering transcended its technical and training aspects, reflecting a collective African awareness of the necessity to position intangible cultural heritage safeguarding as a strategic priority. This approach, she noted, serves as a pillar for reinforcing cultural identity and sovereignty, contributing to sustainable development, and solidifying Africa's presence on the global cultural stage. Algeria's historical commitment to this cause was highlighted, as it was the first country to ratify the 2003 Convention in 2004 and also hosts CRESPAF. The country continues to make efforts in digitizing its national inventory, developing databases, and promoting academic research and cultural diplomacy for national heritage preservation and international recognition.

The Minister stressed that African cooperation in this field should be founded on the exchange of experiences, knowledge, and technology transfer, alongside the enhancement of experts' and contact points' capabilities. Such collaborative efforts are designed to equip African states with the necessary legal and technical tools to protect their heritage from their own cultural perspectives. Emphasizing that the safeguarding of African intangible cultural heritage is a shared responsibility, transcending national borders, Ms. Bendouda identified it as a cornerstone for promoting continental unity and integration. This collective endeavor also ensures the right of future generations to acknowledge and cherish their cultural legacy, further aligning visions and practices for continent-wide heritage protection.