The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has stressed the importance of incorporating Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) into West Africa’s educational system to preserve cultural heritage.
ICH, also known as living heritage, is passed down through generations and recreated by its bearers through interactions with their environment, history, and nature.
Abdourahamane Diallo, UNESCO Regional Office Representative for West Africa and UNESCO Head Office in Nigeria, on Wednesday in Abuja emphasised the need for ICH programmes to be transmitted and included in educational and cultural systems.
Diallo spoke in view of the three-day ongoing UNESCO workshop themed: ‘Sharing experiences and good practices in safeguarding ICH in West Africa” which started Sept. 17 to 19, 2024.
He explained that the workshop would enhance awareness about ICH in formal and non-formal education platforms as a safeguarding measure in West Africa
Diallo encouraged countries in the sub-region to collaborate, share knowledge, and implement frameworks for safeguarding ICH, highlighting that Ghana, Nigeria, and The Gambia have ratified the 2003 Convention, while Liberia and Sierra Leone are yet to do so.
In separate interview, Mr Nanayakkara Roshan, Special Assistant on M&E and Heritage to the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, stated that the ministry is determined to lead in Africa toward safeguarding ICH.
The ministry aims to roll out a national cultural policy to support community-driven heritage projects and sustain partnership with UNESCO.
Roshan said, “Nigeria is always seen as driver and forerunner of culture and we are focused on sustaining partnership with UNESCO, as custodian of the global framework of cultural heritage to sustain such.
“It is crucial for us to ensure that we are truly worthy of that title in all areas of cultural preservation and promotion, since we have been doing a lot of talking about cultural heritage, it is time for action.
“Therefore, this event provides crucial platform to help other countries, while learning from their experiences and challenges in safeguarding ICH.”
UNESCO ICH Facilitator Emily Drani attributed the slow ratification of the convention policy to poor awareness and misunderstanding of ICH.
According to her, ICH is about values, beliefs, skills, knowledge and history and its benefits need to be publicised to convince more countries to ratify the policy.
“By integrating ICH into education, West Africa can preserve its rich cultural heritage for future generations.
“UNESCO’s efforts aim to promote cultural diversity, global citizenship, and sustainable development, aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Otumba Biodun Ajiboye, Executive-Secretary/CEO of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), commended the workshop for promoting good cultural practices.
He emphasised NICO’s role in promoting and preserving ICH to encourage young people to value cultural heritage.(NAN)
