African World Heritage Day (AWHD) is annually observed across the globe on 5 May to promote awareness about Africa’s unique cultural and natural heritage and to advocate for its protection, preservation, and transmission to future generations.
- AWHD is observed under the leadership of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), in partnership with the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) and other collaborating organisations.
- 5th May 2025 marks the 10th observance of AWHD.
Significance:
i.To raise global awareness about the rich and diverse heritage of Africa that spans across language, tradition, architecture, ecology, and spirituality.
ii.To involve African youth and communities in protecting their intangible and tangible heritage, and to foster a sense of ownership and identity.
Background:
i.African World Heritage Day was officially proclaimed on 19th November 2015 during the 38th session of the General Conference of UNESCO.
ii.The resolution was passed to coincide with the 10th anniversary (2006–2016) of UNESCO’s establishment of the AWHF.
iii.The first ever AWHD was observed on 5th May 2016, to recognize the underrepresentation of Africa on the World Heritage List(WHL) and to address the vulnerability of African heritage sites.
About Africa:
i.Africa ranks as the world’s second-largest continent both in terms of land area and population.
ii.It encompasses 54 fully recognized sovereign states, along with two territories, Western Sahara and Somaliland, that are self-governing but lack widespread international recognition.
iii.As of 2025, UNESCO has listed 147 World Heritage Sites in Africa. However, nearly 39% of these are listed as ‘in danger’, mainly due to conflicts, climate change, and lack of funding.
2025 Events:
i.UNESCO, in collaboration with the Government of Kenya and the African World Heritage Fund, organized the International Conference on Cultural Heritage in Africa: A Dialogue on the Concept of Authenticity in Nairobi, Kenya from May 6 to 9, 2025.
ii.This conference brought together heritage experts, government officials, local communities Non-Governmental Organization(NGOs) and academics to discuss strategies for safeguarding Africa’s heritage.
About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):
Director-General (DG) – Audrey Azoulay
Established – 1945
Headquarters – Paris, France
