Written by Kelly Were
Nairobi, Kenya – President William Ruto has called on UNESCO to address longstanding imbalances in global heritage recognition, urging the organization to reconsider rigid concepts of authenticity that often marginalize Africa’s rich, living cultural traditions.
In a statement posted on his official X account following the closing ceremony of the International Conference on Cultural Heritage and Authenticity in Africa, held at Gigiri, Nairobi, President Ruto emphasized the need for a more inclusive and representative approach to heritage on the world stage.
“Africa is a continent of immense authentic heritage that remains greatly under-represented on the global stage. We call on UNESCO to review the disparities on inherited concepts of authenticity that often give priority to material forms over Africa’s dynamic, community-rooted, and spiritually-inspired heritage,” President Ruto wrote.
The event marked a historic moment with the launch of the Nairobi Outcome Document on Heritage Authenticity — a landmark text that articulates African perspectives on cultural heritage and presents a roadmap for reforming the global heritage framework.
The document aims to shift international focus beyond the preservation of physical monuments and artifacts, highlighting the importance of oral traditions, spiritual practices, communal customs, and living cultural expressions that have long defined African identity and resilience.
Heritage experts and policymakers from across the continent gathered in Nairobi for the conference, united in their message that Africa’s heritage is not only ancient and diverse but also alive and evolving — and deserves equal recognition on the global stage.
The Nairobi Outcome Document is expected to influence future discussions at UNESCO and other international heritage forums, asserting Africa’s voice in shaping a more equitable and inclusive cultural legacy for the world.
