Cairo, 3 December 2025
The African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) is successfully convened the 38th Meeting of the Board of Governors, held in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt, from 2–3 December 2025. Hosted under the leadership and warm hospitality of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, the meeting brought renewed energy to Africa’s heritage agenda.
This high-level gathering brought together Board Members, government representatives, heritage leaders, experts, and partners to assess achievements, reflect on challenges, and strengthen collective action in safeguarding Africa’s cultural and natural treasures.
Celebrating Progress and Shared Purpose
AWHF Chairperson Mr. Vusithemba Ndima emphasised the collective responsibility of heritage institutions across Africa:
“Your presence here in Cairo is a powerful expression of our shared commitment to protect, celebrate and transmit Africa’s priceless heritage to future generations. Together, we are custodians of a continental vision; one in which our heritage becomes a catalyst for development, identity and dignity.”
Mr. Ndima also congratulated Egypt on the election of Professor Khalid El-Enany, a Patron of the Fund, as Director-General of UNESCO, describing this as a historic milestone that powerfully reinforces African leadership in global cultural governance.
Egypt Reaffirms Leadership in Heritage Diplomacy
In his remarks, Egypt’s Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ambassador Amr El‑Sherbiny reaffirmed the country’s long-standing partnership with AWHF:
“From its inception, Egypt believed in the vision of the African World Heritage Fund. We stand ready to continue working shoulder-to-shoulder with the continent to ensure that our stories, landscapes and living traditions are safeguarded for future generations.”
Egypt’s commitment was further demonstrated by the active involvement of senior expert H.E. Minister Plenipotentiary Amr Morsy, Director of the UNESCO, Heritage and International Nominations Unit, as the new North Africa representative on the AWHF Board of Governors. With over two decades of diplomatic and multilateral experience, he has played a key role in strengthening Egypt’s engagement with UNESCO and will be instrumental in supporting the AWHF to achieve its mission.
A Visit to Africa’s Wonder: The Pyramids of Giza & Grand Egyptian Museum
Among the week’s cultural highlights was an inspiring visit by the Board and delegates to the Pyramids of Giza, one of the world’s most celebrated World Heritage Sites and a magnificent symbol of Africa’s ingenuity, civilisation and global influence.
The experience was a vivid reminder that strong governance, sustainable funding and continuous capacity-building are essential if Africa’s stories, creativity and identity, so deeply inscribed in its landscapes and monuments, are to be protected for future generations.
The Board also toured the Grand Egyptian Museum, the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilisation, where the Tutankhamun Galleries, Main Galleries, Grand Hall, Grand Stairs, Khufu’s Boats Museum, commercial spaces and expansive gardens together offer an unparalleled journey through Egypt’s ancient heritage and contemporary architectural vision.
Continued Support and Partnerships
AWHF expressed profound gratitude to its funding partners: Angola, Azerbaijan, Norway, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and the United Arab Emirates, whose contributions enable inscription support, conservation projects, site recoveries and community development. Their generous financial support in 2025 is not only sustaining our work but powerfully driving forward Africa’s heritage and development ambitions.
The Fund also acknowledged African States Parties, UNESCO World Heritage Centre, ICOMOS, IUCN, ICCROM, national authorities and communities whose daily efforts give practical meaning to World Heritage protection on the ground.
As the Fund approaches its 20th anniversary in 2026, it remains committed to advancing Africa’s voice in global heritage discourse, accelerating conservation capacity, empowering communities, and ensuring that Africa’s heritage continues to inspire the world.