Nigeria Promises To Strengthen Cultural Ties With Other West African Countries

Nigeria has promised to strengthen cultural ties with other West African countries as part of its cultural diplomacy strategy.

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

Musawa spoke at the event, which drew participants from other West African countries:
“Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, in our efforts to promote cultural diplomacy, I am 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, stated, “We understand the value of collaboration and partnership in realising the full potential of our cultural assets and creative talents. This forum provides an opportunity for us to explore new avenues of cooperation, exchange best practices, and form long-term partnerships that will benefit our nations.

“I am confident that by collaborating, pooling our resources, and sharing our expertise, we can achieve extraordinary results that will benefit not only our countries but the entire world.”

Musawa went on to say, “I would like to thank UNESCO, a key partner and supporter of Nigeria’s cultural endeavours, for organising this extremely important event. I would like to take this opportunity to invite you all to join us on this transformative journey towards the emergence of Africa’s cultural renaissance, led by West Africa.

“Let us seize this opportunity to strengthen our cultural bonds, ignite our creative energies, and lay the groundwork for a future full of hope, inspiration, and prosperity. Together, we can create a world in which art, culture, and creativity act as catalysts for positive change and unity.

Mr Dimitri Sanga, Director of the UNESCO Dakar Regional Office, stated that the meeting was held to share experiences and best practices related to living heritage in the West African sub-region.

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

He stated, “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 across the African continent.” Furthermore, it is important to emphasise that promoting the ICH and its associated creativity can help create opportunities for communities and individuals, contribute to long-term development, and foster peace.

“This is one more step towards achieving the SDGs and the Agenda 2063: “the Africa we want.”

He stated, “This meeting is consistent with UNESCO’s Phare Priority Africa program and the declaration of the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development – MONDIACULT 2022.” This meeting serves as a prelude to MONDIACULT 2025, which aims to make the voices of African countries, particularly those of West Africa, heard.

He stated, “As you are aware, MONDIACULT is a major event in which the 194 member states of UNESCO collaborate to define the global agenda for culture.” The next edition will be held in Barcelona in the second semester of 2025, by which time I hope that all States Parties will have ratified the key Culture UNESCO conventions, particularly the 2003 Convention on the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which brings us together today.”