Nigeria Promises to Strengthen Cultural Ties with Other West African Countries

Nigeria has promised to strengthen cultural ties with other West African countries in pursuant of its policy of promoting cultural diplomacy.

The promise was made on Tuesday in Abuja by the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa during United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) sponsored event “Sharing Experiences and Good Practices in Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage in West Africa”

At the event which drew participants from other West African countries, Musawa said:

“Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, in our pursuit of promoting cultural diplomacy, I stand here today to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to strengthening cultural ties with your respective countries.”

Musawa who was represented by one of her Advisors, Roshan Nanayakkara said: “We recognize the importance of collaboration and partnership in harnessing the full potential of our cultural assets and creative talents. This forum serves as a platform for us to explore new avenues of cooperation, exchange best practices, and forge lasting partnerships that will benefit our nations in the long run.

“It is my firm belief that by working together, pooling our resources, and sharing our expertise, we can achieve remarkable outcomes that will benefit not only our nations but the world at large.”

Musawa added that: “I wish to thank UNESCO, a key partner and supporter of Nigeria in all of our cultural endeavors, for convening this extremely important event. I use this opportunity to invite each and every one of you to join us on this transformative journey towards the emergence of Africa’s cultural renaissance, leading the charge from West Africa.

“Let us seize this moment to strengthen our cultural bonds, ignite our creative energies, and pave the way for a future filled with hope, inspiration and prosperity. Together, we can build a world where art, culture and creativity serve as catalysts for positive change and unity.”

In his remarks, Director UNESCO Dakar regional Office, Mr. Dimitri Sanga the meeting was convened to share experiences and good practices about living heritage in the West Africa subregion.

Sanga, who was represented by the UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, Mr Abdourahamane Diallo, said: “Indeed, this is one of UNESCO’s role: to serve as a platform for exchange, dialogue, capacity-building and networking for its Member States.”

He noted that: “This workshop is also a valuable opportunity to strengthen South-South collaboration in this field, and to ensure better protection of cultural heritage in all its forms, throughout the African continent. In addition, it is important to emphasize that the promotion of the ICH and associated creativity can help generate some opportunities for the communities and individuals, contribute to sustainable development and build peace.

“This is one more step towards achieving the sustainable development goals and the 2063 Agenda: “the Africawe want”.

He said: “This meeting is in line with UNESCO’s Phare Priority Africa program and the declaration of UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development – MONDIACULT 2022. This meeting is therefore a prelude to MONDIACULT 2025 to make the voice of African countries heard, particularly the one of West Africa countries.”

He noted that: “As you already know, MONDIACULT is a major event during which the 194 member states of UNESCO work together to define the global agenda for culture. The next edition will be held in Barcelona during the second semester of 2025, by which time I hope that all the States Parties will have ratified the key Culture UNESCO conventions and particularly the 2003 Convention concerning the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage that brings us together today.”

Michael Olugbode

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