Philippines Champions South-South Collaboration in Heritage Conservation at the Africa24 Conference

MOMBASA 06 December 2024 – The Philippines, through the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM) and the Department of Foreign Affairs, co-hosted a workshop with the Kenyan National Commission for UNESCO and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), entitled "World Heritage Workshop for African National Commissions for UNESCO" last on 25 November 2024 at the Swahilipot Hub Foundation in Mombasa, Kenya. The said event is part of the ongoing Africa24 Conference – an international event focused on conserving the rich African heritage through the support of local communities, promoting knowledge-sharing, and encouraging international collaboration from partners.

UNACOM Secretary-General Ivan Anthony Henares represented the Philippines and the country's Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Marie Charlotte Tang in welcoming delegates. The country statement emphasized commitment to South-South cooperation, particularly in preserving and promoting cultural heritage. This aligns with the Philippines' goal of supporting climate-resilient communities through heritage conservation to achieve sustainable peace and development. In particular, the Philippines and African countries are expected to intensify their collaborative efforts for multinational nominations in UNESCO’s World Heritage and Intangible Cultural Heritage Programmes. END