STATEMENT BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE AFRICAN WORLD HERITAGE FUND
Meeting in Cairo, 2 September 2025
The Chairperson of the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF), Mr. Vusithemba Ndima, and the Patron of the Fund, Professor Khalid El-Enany, met in Cairo on 2 September 2025 to reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing the protection, conservation, and sustainable development of Africa’s cultural and natural heritage.
On behalf of the Board of Governors, the Chairperson conveyed profound appreciation to Professor El-Enany for graciously accepting the invitation to serve as Patron of the AWHF. His distinguished profile and steadfast leadership within the international heritage arena represent an invaluable asset in amplifying Africa’s voice in global heritage diplomacy.
The meeting recalled Professor El-Enany’s pivotal role in hosting a high-level side event during the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris (July 2025). This initiative significantly strengthened international awareness of Africa’s heritage priorities and mobilised new partners to support the Fund’s mission of safeguarding and promoting World Heritage across the continent.
The Chairperson also acknowledged the compelling vision articulated by Professor El-Enany in his African Union endorsed candidacy for the position of Director-General of UNESCO, noting that his emphasis on capacity-building, heritage financing, and the empowerment of African peoples and institutions resonates strongly with the mandate of the Fund. In this regard, he reaffirmed that South Africa, as the proud host country of the AWHF, fully supports the candidacy of Professor El-Enany, recognising the value of his vision for UNESCO’s future and its alignment with Africa’s priorities in heritage and development.
He further highlighted the remarkable impact of the AWHF over the past two decades, which includes the mobilisation of over USD 20 million for World Heritage capacity-building and conservation in Africa; the training of more than 1,500 African heritage professionals; direct support for the inscription of forty-two (42) new African sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List; and the removal of twelve (12) African sites from the List of World Heritage in Danger, thereby securing the future of properties once at the brink of irreparable loss.
Beyond these tangible results, the Fund has placed people at the heart of its work by engaging youth and local communities through innovative initiatives such as heritage entrepreneurship and research and education grants. It has also amplified Africa’s collective voice in global heritage diplomacy and forged strategic partnerships with the African Union, UNESCO, national governments, development partners, and civil society. Together, these efforts have positioned the AWHF at the forefront of safeguarding Africa’s invaluable heritage, demonstrating its vital role as a driver of identity, unity, and sustainable development.
