Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Africa’s leadership in global heritage conservation, with the government announcing that it will host the first Workshop for National Focal Points for the Fourth Cycle of UNESCO World Heritage Periodic Reporting in September 2026.
The announcement was made by Doreen Silver Katusiime, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, who represented Minister Tom R. Butime, during a high-level side event, organised in partnership with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the African World Heritage Fund. Se said the workshop would provide African countries with an opportunity to strengthen institutions, improve the management of heritage sites, build professional capacity, and deepen regional cooperation rather than merely fulfilling a reporting requirement.
Katusiime said Africa’s cultural and natural heritage continues to face growing threats, including climate change, rapid urbanisation, conflict, and limited technical capacity. She urged African States Parties and development partners to actively participate in the Fourth Cycle of Periodic Reporting to enhance peer learning, improve decision-making, and secure stronger representation of African heritage on the World Heritage List.
She reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to working closely with UNESCO and the African World Heritage Fund to strengthen Africa’s role in shaping global heritage conservation and promoting sustainable management of sites with Outstanding Universal Value.
The Fourth Cycle of Periodic Reporting, which begins in July 2026, marks a new phase in implementing the World Heritage Convention, the international framework that has guided the protection of the world’s cultural and natural heritage for more than five decades. African countries are being encouraged to use the exercise as a strategic tool for improving heritage governance, institutional capacity, and site management.
The side event brought together African States Parties, UNESCO officials, heritage institutions, universities, site managers, conservation experts and development partners to explore ways of strengthening collaboration and mobilising technical and financial support for heritage conservation across the continent.
The initiative is expected to boost political commitment, strengthen regional cooperation, increase the participation of heritage professionals and young experts, and position Africa as a leading force in shaping the future of the World Heritage Convention through stronger institutions, partnerships and conservation leadership.
