The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has reiterated its call to safeguard intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in West Africa.

Dimitri Sanga, director of UNESCO’s regional office for West Africa, made this appeal in his welcome address at a three-day workshop in Abuja on Tuesday, which commenced September 17, 2024.

Mr Sanga’s address, delivered by Abdourahamane Diallo, UNESCO Regional Office Representative for West Africa and UNESCO Head Office in Nigeria, highlighted the significance of South-South collaboration in protecting cultural heritage.

The workshop brought together UNESCO representatives from The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone to share experiences and best practices in safeguarding ICH.

Mr Sanga emphasised that promoting ICH and associated creativity could generate opportunities, contribute to sustainable development, and build peace.

“This meeting aligns with UNESCO’s Africa programme and the declaration of the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development—MONDIACULT 2022.”

He noted that 183 state parties, including Ghana, Nigeria, and The Gambia, had ratified the convention, urging Liberia and Sierra Leone to follow suit, especially since the convention celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023.

Hannatu Musa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, called for African countries to collaborate in safeguarding ICH, stressing that culture could transcend boundaries and foster understanding.

She emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to promoting, preserving, and developing its cultural legacy, recognising culture as a catalyst for the nation’s future.

“The ministry’s mandate is essentially to provide an enabling environment for exposure of the positive elements of the nation’s art and culture and harness the potential of Nigeria’s creative industries.

“We have obtained the support of UNESCO and the EU to review and deliver updated National Cultural Policy with the policy development process led by the Ministry and the National Economic Summit Group (NESG) to be completed soon.”

The workshop aimed to strengthen regional networks for safeguarding ICH, attracting notable attendees, including the permanent secretary of the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO and Biodun Ajiboye, executive secretary/CEO of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO).

(NAN)