The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has emphasized the need to integrate Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) into West Africa’s education systems to protect and preserve cultural traditions.
Intangible Cultural Heritage, often referred to as "living heritage," includes practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills passed down through generations. It reflects the interactions of communities with their environment, history, and nature.
Speaking in Abuja, Abdourahamane Diallo, UNESCO’s Regional Representative for West Africa, stressed the importance of incorporating ICH into educational curricula as a way to safeguard these cultural elements. His remarks came during a three-day UNESCO workshop titled "Sharing Experiences and Good Practices in Safeguarding ICH in West Africa," running from September 17 to 19, 2024.
Diallo highlighted the need for collaboration among West African nations to share knowledge and implement frameworks for protecting ICH. He noted that countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, and The Gambia have ratified the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, while Liberia and Sierra Leone have yet to do so.
Nanayakkara Roshan, Special Assistant on Monitoring and Evaluation for Nigeria's Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, reiterated the ministry's commitment to leading the effort in Africa to preserve ICH. He mentioned plans to introduce a national cultural policy aimed at supporting community-driven heritage projects.
UNESCO Facilitator Emily Drani pointed out that the slow adoption of ICH policies is largely due to a lack of awareness and understanding. She stressed that ICH encompasses values, beliefs, skills, and knowledge that must be preserved for future generations.
The event aims to raise awareness about the importance of ICH in both formal and informal education, ultimately promoting cultural diversity, global citizenship, and sustainable development.
