Zambia Calls for Stronger African Unity in Global Heritage Leadership at UNESCO
Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Africa’s collective voice in global heritage governance, with Ambassador Judith Mulenga calling for greater unity and collaboration among African nations during the 47th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, currently underway at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
Speaking in her capacity as Vice Chair of the Committee, Zambia’s Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, H.E. Ambassador Judith Mulenga, underscored the need for African Member States to present a coordinated and impactful position in international heritage discourse.
She encouraged a collective push to increase the number of African properties on the UNESCO World Heritage List, while intensifying efforts to conserve and manage existing sites—particularly those currently listed as World Heritage in Danger.
“Africa must continue to speak with one voice and act with shared purpose if we are to effectively protect our heritage and advance sustainable development across the continent,” Ambassador Mulenga stated during the Africa Group meeting held on the sidelines of the session.
During her intervention on the World Heritage Centre’s report, Ambassador Mulenga raised concerns over the lack of structured collaboration between the Centre and the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF)—a UNESCO Category 2 Centre dedicated solely to African heritage.
She described the current situation, where capacity-building programmes are implemented in parallel rather than in partnership with the AWHF, as “regrettable,” stressing that such fragmentation weakens impact and undermines African ownership.
“This disjointed approach not only risks inefficiency and duplication but also limits Africa’s ability to lead in shaping its own heritage priorities,” she said.
The Zambian delegation to the session includes representatives from the National Heritage Conservation Commission, the Zambia National Commission for UNESCO, and the Zambezi River Authority. Their participation aligns with Zambia’s longstanding efforts to integrate heritage preservation with socioeconomic resilience and cultural identity.
The 47th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, taking place from July 6 to 16, 2025, brings together 21 Committee Members, UNESCO Member States, and international heritage organisations to review and protect the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
