14/12/2025
The African World Heritage Fund participated in the 5th Specialized Technical Committee Meeting on Youth, Culture and Sports (STC-YCS5) held in Bujumbura, Burundi, under the theme “Reclaiming Dignity and Advancing Reparatory Justice Through Youth, Culture and Sport.”
As part of the Culture Experts’ Parallel Session, presented its 2023–2025 activity report, highlighting progress in increasing African sites on the List, strengthening the conservation and management of heritage properties, and promoting sustainable development opportunities for communities living around heritage sites.
In addition to its technical contribution, AWHF hosted a mobile exhibition on the sidelines of the STC-YCS5, offering delegates an engaging platform to explore the Fund’s impact over the past 20 years. The exhibition showcased milestone achievements, flagship programmes, and the transformative role of heritage across the continent.
The meeting brought together 34 African Union (AU) Member States and a broad network of youth organisations, Pan-African cultural institutions, UN agencies, sporting bodies, and development partners. Discussions focused on advancing the AU 2025 Theme of the Year on reparatory justice, reviewing STC-YCS4 decisions, and aligning cultural priorities with Agenda 2063.
With the final reporting, the STC-YCS5 recommended continued support to AWHF, enhanced private sector investment in heritage, and encouraged Member States to participate in AWHF’s 20th Anniversary High-Level Advocacy Event in 2026.
AWHF further strengthened collaboration through engagements with the Ministers of Sports, Youth, Arts and Culture of Botswana, South Africa, Seychelles and Malawi, as well as with the AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHSCD). These discussions reaffirmed a shared commitment to using heritage as a tool for unity, dignity and sustainable development.
AWHF appreciates the continued support of the African Union as we collectively strengthen Africa’s cultural identity, dignity and global footprint, and we look forward to the outcomes of the STC-YCS5.
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