Zambia Hosts 8th African World Heritage Committee Preparatory Meeting
Zambia has officially opened the 8th African World Heritage Committee Preparatory Meeting in Livingstone, with a strong call for unity among African States to influence global heritage decisions.
Minister of Tourism and Chairperson of the Africa Group V(a) under the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, Honourable Rodney Sikumba, MP, delivered the keynote address, stressing Africa’s shared responsibility in global heritage governance.
“This gathering reflects not only our shared commitment to the implementation of the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention but also our determination as African States to engage proactively, collectively, and effectively in the global arena where decisions about our heritage are made,” said Sikumba.
Engineer Munyaradzi Munodawafa, CEO of the Zambezi River Authority, highlighted the success of collaborative models like the one between ZRA, the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF), and heritage institutions.
He pointed to the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls Declaration as a milestone in balancing development with preservation.
Ambassador Judith Mulenga, Zambia’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, emphasized the country’s leadership in driving the African heritage agenda: “Zambia’s leadership in the Committee and its hosting of this critical meeting reflects our dedication to strengthening Africa’s footprint in global heritage governance.”
Dr. Albino Jopela, Executive Director of AWHF, called for continued efforts to address Africa’s underrepresentation on the World Heritage List. “This meeting allows us to refine our technical input and move forward in solidarity,” he said.
Mr. Kagosi Mwamulowe, Acting Executive Director of the National Heritage Conservation Commission, praised Zambia’s ongoing efforts in conservation and regional cooperation, citing the Barotse Cultural Landscape nomination as a key example.
The meeting brings together heritage experts, UNESCO Ambassadors, and representatives from African States Parties. It aims to align Africa’s positions ahead of the 47th World Heritage Committee Session scheduled for July in Paris.
