The International Conference on Redefining the Authenticity of Cultural Heritage in Africa Kicks Off in Nairobi
The International Conference on Cultural Heritage in Africa started today, Tuesday, in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, under the theme “Dialogue on the Concept of Authenticity.” Morocco is participating alongside several African countries and international organizations.
This conference, organized by UNESCO in partnership with the Kenyan government and the African World Heritage Fund, aims to redefine concepts of authenticity and heritage integrity within the African context, both in terms of theoretical foundations and field practices, aligning with the continent’s unique characteristics and diverse cultural components.
The four-day event seeks to contextualize traditional Western concepts of heritage within the social, cultural, and spiritual realities of Africa, where heritage is often viewed as a living, evolving element integrated into the daily lives of local communities.
The conference brings together a cohort of heritage experts, government officials, civil society representatives, and academics from across the continent and the globe to exchange insights and experiences on ways to preserve and enhance African heritage.
This meeting is expected to contribute to enhancing Africa’s representation on the World Heritage List and support cooperation among Southern countries, emphasizing the importance of integrating community approaches into heritage preservation efforts.
The organizers aspire, through this event, to establish clear standards for heritage conservation and encourage initiatives aimed at documenting, protecting, and promoting it at both local and international levels, thereby strengthening African communities’ ownership of their heritage and attracting renewed support for it.
