Zambia Ends UNESCO Term, Champions African Heritage and Sustainability
Zambia has officially concluded its four-year tenure (2021–2025) on the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, advocacy, and concrete achievements in advancing Africa’s cultural and natural heritage on the global stage.
During the closing ceremony of the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Zambia to UNESCO, H.E. Ms. Judith Mulenga, who served as one of the Vice Chairpersons of the Committee Bureau, praised the session’s Chairperson, Professor Nikolay Nenov, for his exemplary leadership.
She also extended appreciation to the Director of the World Heritage Centre, its staff, and advisory bodies for their contributions to global heritage protection.
Ambassador Mulenga reaffirmed Zambia’s ongoing dedication to heritage preservation beyond its committee term, highlighting the country’s alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and UNESCO’s Global Priority Africa. She emphasized Zambia’s role in celebrating the African Cultural Renaissance and elevating African narratives in global heritage discourse.
Zambia’s tenure saw the successful inscription of 14 new African sites on the World Heritage List and the removal of five sites from the List of World Heritage in Danger. Additionally, over 240 heritage professionals across the continent benefited from mentorship and management training programs.
Ambassador Mulenga also celebrated Zambia’s role in the adoption of the Nairobi Outcome on Heritage and Authenticity and the recognition of the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls Declaration, both of which promote the integration of sustainable development into World Heritage practices, reforms she noted would have lasting impact.
The Zambezi River Authority, which participated in the session as observers, echoed these sentiments. CEO Eng. Munyaradzi Munodawafa described the experience as “insightful” and praised the alignment of sustainable development with heritage conservation particularly in reference to the Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme, a 2,400-megawatt project downstream of Victoria Falls.
Eng. Munodawafa expressed optimism about ongoing support from heritage experts as the project continues to progress.
The 47th session of the Committee brought together more than 1,600 delegates from 160 countries, united in their commitment to safeguarding global heritage.
