Liberia Art and Culture Ambassador Kekura Malawala Kamara’s participation in the 5th Meeting on Experience Sharing Regarding UNESCO issues between African States and Turkey marks a significant and positive step for the country’s efforts to safeguard its rich intangible cultural heritage.
The Meeting was held from May 5-7, at Stivas University.
This engagement underscores the understanding that culture, as a global public good, is intrinsically linked to a nation’s cultural policies and its commitment to preserving its unique traditions.
Amb. Kamara’s active involvement in this experience-sharing forum provides the country with a valuable opportunity to learn from the diverse strategies and best practices employed by other African states and Turkey in their engagement with UNESCO.
By participating in discussions and exchanging insights, Liberia gains crucial knowledge on effectively identifying, documenting, and promoting its intangible cultural heritage, which encompasses traditions, expressions, knowledge, and skills passed down through generations.
This direct interaction can inform the development and refinement of Liberia’s own cultural policies, ensuring they align with international standards and best practices for heritage preservation.
Crucially, Amb. Kamara’s assurance that his administration will encourage the ratification of UNESCO conventions developed since 2005 is a particularly gratifying development.
These conventions provide a robust framework and international recognition for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
Official membership through ratification will unlock numerous benefits for the country, including access to technical assistance, expert networks, and potential funding opportunities from UNESCO.
This will significantly enhance Liberia’s capacity to implement effective safeguarding measures and promote its cultural heritage on a global stage.
Furthermore, Amb. Kamara’s commitment signals a proactive approach towards integrating his country’s cultural heritage into its national development agenda.
Recognizing culture as a global public good emphasizes, its inherent value and its potential to contribute to social cohesion, economic growth through cultural tourism, and the overall well-being of Liberian communities.
We commend Amb. Kekura Malawala Kamara for his proactive engagement and his encouraging assurances regarding the ratification of UNESCO conventions.
This commitment demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to cultural preservation and lays a promising foundation for the growth of Liberia’s capacity to safeguard its invaluable intangible cultural heritage for future generations.
Kamara’s participation in this meeting serves as a catalyst for strengthening Liberia’s cultural policies and fostering a deeper appreciation for its unique cultural identity within the global community.