UNESCO and China are deepening their collaboration to enhance the preservation and representation of Africa’s rich cultural and natural heritage on the World Heritage List. This partnership, bolstered by a significant financial contribution from China, aims to empower African nations with the skills and resources needed for effective heritage conservation and management.
UNESCO–Africa–China Symposium on World Heritage
From October 19 to 25, 2025, Quanzhou, China, will host the “UNESCO–Africa–China Symposium on World Heritage Capacity-Building and Cooperation.” This event is designed to bolster Africa’s presence on the World Heritage List and equip African nations with enhanced heritage conservation capabilities. It addresses the current underrepresentation of African sites and the significant conservation challenges many existing sites face.
The symposium is structured in two phases:
- Symposium (October 19–21): This segment will focus on practical applications of the “2025 Nairobi Outcome on Heritage and Authenticity.” Key discussions will include preparing nomination dossiers, leveraging digital innovations for conservation, and fostering partnerships between African and Chinese universities. A dedicated session will offer technical guidance for five African countries developing new World Heritage nominations.
- Training Session (October 22–25): This hands-on workshop will cater to experts and practitioners from eleven African States Parties with limited or no World Heritage inscriptions. Training will cover cultural and natural heritage, mixed sites, and upstream processes, utilizing real case studies and mentorship to build skills and professional networks.
Strengthening African Heritage Through Partnership
The initiative is a direct outcome of commitments made during high-level meetings between UNESCO and the Chinese government, building on recommendations from the 2019 Paris Forum. It represents a renewed dedication to concrete action, knowledge sharing, and sustained cooperation.
The collaboration is made possible by the “China Funds-in-Trust (Quanzhou) for Capacity-Building on World Heritage in Africa,” launched in March 2025 with a $1 million contribution from the Quanzhou Municipality. This aligns with UNESCO’s Priority Africa Strategy and Flagship Programme 3, aiming to foster cultural heritage and capacity development.
A Shared Commitment to Global Heritage
This partnership underscores China’s and Quanzhou’s commitment to safeguarding cultural and natural heritage and promoting sustainable development in Africa. Quanzhou, itself a UNESCO World Heritage site and a historic hub on the Maritime Silk Road, will share its expertise and experiences with African partners, fostering mutual learning and cultural exchange.
The initiative builds on previous successful China Funds-in-Trust projects that have supported over fifteen African countries and contributed to the inscription of three African sites in 2023. The collaboration aims to empower African Member States in heritage nomination processes, risk reduction, and sustainable site management, ultimately safeguarding Africa’s unique heritage for future generations.