By Senior Reporter-China Africa News
Quanzhou, China- The UNESCO–Africa–China Symposium on World Heritage Capacity-Building and Cooperation is actively underway in Quanzhou, China. This week-long event, running from October 19 to 25, serves as a platform for African heritage professionals to engage with Chinese counterparts, share knowledge, and develop strategies for preserving and promoting Africa’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
The symposium is structured in two phases. The first phase, from October 19 to 21, focuses on translating the 2025 Nairobi Outcome on Heritage and Authenticity into practice. Participants are exchanging expertise on preparing nomination dossiers, exploring digital innovations for conservation, and strengthening partnerships between African and Chinese universities. A special session is providing technical guidance to five African countries currently developing new World Heritage nominations, offering them the tools and knowledge necessary to enhance their chances of inscription.
The second phase, from October 22 to 25, will provide hands-on, practical workshops for experts and practitioners from eleven African States Parties with no World Heritage properties and those with two or fewer inscriptions. The training topics will cover cultural and natural heritage, mixed sites, and upstream processes. Through real case studies and mentorship, participants will sharpen their skills and build professional networks to carry forward at home.
A significant outcome of this symposium is the establishment of the China Funds-in-Trust (Quanzhou) for Capacity-Building on World Heritage in Africa. Launched in March 2025 with a contribution of one million US dollars from the Quanzhou Municipal People’s Government, this initiative aims to support African nations in developing robust nomination dossiers, enhancing site management practices, and strengthening institutional governance through dedicated mentorship and training programs
For China, this collaboration serves as an opportunity to share its extensive experience in heritage conservation and to build stronger ties with African nations. By actively participating in the preservation of African heritage, China not only contributes to global cultural diversity but also fosters goodwill and mutual understanding between the two regions.
The symposium underscores the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding our shared cultural heritage. It highlights that through collective efforts, knowledge exchange, and mutual respect, we can ensure that the rich histories and traditions of all cultures are preserved for future generations.
As the event continues, participants are expected to return to their respective countries equipped with new skills, insights, and a renewed commitment to heritage preservation. The partnerships forged during the symposium are poised to continue, fostering ongoing collaboration between Africa, China, and UNESCO in the years to come.
