African World Heritage Day is observed every year on 5 May to celebrate and promote the protection of cultural and natural heritage across the African continent.
What is African World Heritage Day about?
This includes historic sites, monuments, landscapes, and traditions that hold value for communities and the world. The day is meant to raise awareness about the importance of preserving Africa’s heritage and the need to protect it for future generations.
UNESCO, the United Nations agency responsible for education, science, and culture, initiated this day to encourage African countries and communities to recognise the importance of their heritage.
It’s also about making sure that young people, especially in Africa, are aware of their continent’s rich cultural history and feel proud of it.
What is the history of African World Heritage Day?
African World Heritage Day was established by UNESCO in 2015 and was first celebrated on 5 May 2016.
It was created in response to the growing threats facing African heritage sites, including conflict, natural disasters, lack of funding, and neglect. The day aims to highlight these risks and promote efforts to preserve Africa’s contributions to global culture and biodiversity.
Despite being home to rich and diverse heritage, Africa remains underrepresented on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Out of over 1,000 World Heritage Sites globally, only a small fraction are in Africa.
This day is also about addressing this imbalance by supporting African nations in nominating and managing their heritage sites more effectively.
How to celebrate African World Heritage Day
There are many ways to observe African World Heritage Day. Schools and universities may host special lessons or exhibitions that showcase Africa’s cultural and natural landmarks. Museums might organise public events or talks about African history and heritage.
Communities can arrange local celebrations or tours to heritage sites to raise awareness and pride in their local history.
Online, people can take part by sharing stories, photos, or videos of African heritage sites using the hashtag #AfricanWorldHeritageDay. UNESCO and other cultural organisations also host virtual events and workshops that are open to anyone interested in learning more about Africa’s history and its global significance.
As UNESCO notes, “This is a day for Africans and for the world to celebrate the richness of African heritage and to renew our commitment to its protection.”
