In Nairobi, Africa redefines the authenticity of its cultural heritage

www.noocultures.info – Kenyan President William Ruto officially closed the International Conference on the Authenticity of Heritage in Africa on May 9, 2025, in Nairobi. He called on the international community to adopt a more inclusive vision that reflects the diversity and richness of Africa’s cultural expressions.

From May 5 to 9, 2025, Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, hosted the International Conference on the Authenticity of Heritage in Africa, organized by UNESCO, the Government of the Republic of Kenya, and the African World Heritage Fund. This landmark event brought together cultural leaders, heritage experts, academics, and community representatives from across the continent, with the aim of rethinking the concepts of authenticity and integrity in African heritage.

The conference sought to clarify these two key notions in heritage conservation while taking into account African specificities. Discussions focused on the identification, documentation, protection, enhancement, and promotion of African heritage—whether tangible or intangible. At the heart of the debates was a shared desire to move beyond externally imposed normative approaches and to propose a definition of authenticity rooted in African values.

A presidential call and a continental roadmap

Closing the proceedings on May 9, 2025, President William Ruto emphasized the importance of recognizing Africa for what it is: a land of living cultures, deeply rooted in communities, memory, and spiritual continuity. He called for a “reconsideration of how authenticity is understood and valued,” advocating for fair recognition of intangible cultural expressions, often marginalized by dominant international heritage frameworks.

The conference concluded with the adoption of the Nairobi Outcome Document on Heritage Authenticity, a landmark text that reflects Africa’s collective voice on these matters. The document outlines principles and recommendations for better integrating local cultural values and community-based approaches into heritage conservation policies and practices.

Through this conference, the continent has taken a significant step toward reclaiming its heritage narrative and asserting its influence on global cultural policies. As host of the event, Kenya reaffirmed its role as a leading actor in African cultural diplomacy.

Eustache AGBOTON ©www.noocultures.info