The African World Heritage Fund (AWHF), in close partnership with the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria through the Ministry of Culture and Arts, successfully convened the International Workshop on Preliminary Assessment for World Heritage Nomination from 8 to 11 September 2025 in Algiers. Organized with the Advisory Bodies, ICOMOS and IUCN, the workshop brought together heritage professionals and representatives from 16 African and Arab States Parties (Algeria, Cameroon, Comoros, Eswatini, Gambia, Guinea, Lesotho, Somalia, Tunisia, Zambia in person; and Burundi, Egypt, Gabon, Namibia, Sierra Leone online). This milestone reaffirmed AWHF’s leadership in creating inclusive platforms where expertise, resources, and political commitment converge to advance the implementation of the World Heritage Convention in Africa.
The workshop built upon its initial online phase (28–31 July 2025), which gathered more than 90 participants from Africa, the Arab States, and Latin America and the Caribbean, confirming the Fund’s capacity to convene diverse regions in dialogue and technical exchange. Its overarching aim was to equip States Parties with the knowledge, skills, and direct advisory support necessary to finalize their Preliminary Assessment (PA) requests in line with UNESCO’s Operational Guidelines, ensuring timely submission to the World Heritage Centre by the 15 September deadline.
Over five intensive days in Algiers, participants engaged in hands-on technical sessions, peer learning, and mentoring by international experts. These activities strengthened the quality of PA requests and laid a strong foundation for future nomination dossiers that meet international standards. Participants were granted a unique opportunity to experience the Kasbah of Algiers World Heritage Site, a remarkable medina distinguished by its historic citadel, Ottoman-era mosques and palaces, and a traditional urban fabric deeply infused with a strong communal spirit set against the backdrop of one of the Mediterranean’s most striking coastal landscapes.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Zouhir Ballalou, Minister of Culture and Arts of Algeria, reaffirmed Algeria’s enduring legacy as a cradle of civilizations and a beacon of cultural diversity. He underscored that the safeguarding of heritage is not only a duty of memory, but a strategic foundation for building cohesive, resilient societies capable of confronting contemporary global challenges. Highlighting Algeria’s unique geographic and cultural position as a bridge between Africa and the Arab world, the Minister emphasized the country’s commitment to advancing the World Heritage agenda. Algeria, he noted, continues to serve as a vital platform for convergence, dialogue, and renewed momentum evidenced by its recent efforts to revise and enrich its Tentative List and strengthen its engagement in international heritage cooperation.
On behalf of AWHF, Executive Director Dr. Albino Jopela praised Algeria’s pioneering commitment to heritage protection and underlined the workshop’s significance in enhancing African and Arab capacities for high-quality Preliminary Assessment requests. He reaffirmed AWHF’s unwavering commitment to supporting States Parties in both regions through capacity-building, technical guidance, and financial assistance, a contribution that strengthens UNESCO’s Priority Africa and addresses the longstanding underrepresentation of African and Arab heritage on the World Heritage List.
The Advisory Bodies played a critical role in transferring knowledge and strengthening technical capacities. ICOMOS, represented by Mrs. Gwenaelle Bourdin, shared practical insights on successful Preliminary Assessments, facilitated group exercises, and equipped participants with tools to critically assess cultural and mixed properties for potential Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). IUCN provided technical guidance for natural heritage nominations, supporting participants in applying thematic studies, gap analyses, and evaluation frameworks to ensure scientific rigor and alignment with global conservation standards.
The workshop was expertly coordinated by Mrs. Rim Kelouaze, who commended Africa’s leadership in embracing UNESCO’s innovative two-phase World Heritage nomination process. She underscored the critical importance of strategic cooperation between the AWHF and States Parties in enhancing the visibility and representation of Africa and the Arab States on the World Heritage List. Through this hands-on and results-driven initiative, Algeria and other participating countries were empowered to formulate stronger Preliminary Assessment submissions, better aligned with international standards and best practices, thereby significantly increasing their prospects for successful nominations.
The workshop concluded with a remarkable achievement: 16 Preliminary Assessment requests finalized and ready for submission to UNESCO. This tangible outcome demonstrates how regional solidarity, expert mentoring, and targeted investment translate into measurable progress. Beyond numbers and technical outcomes, the workshop fostered a shared vision for safeguarding cultural and natural heritage, empowered professionals from two regions, and reaffirmed a collective commitment to advancing a more balanced, inclusive, and representative World Heritage List in line with global heritage priorities.
With Algeria as host and AWHF as convener, this workshop stood as a model of effective partnership between States Parties, Advisory Bodies, and regional institutions. It showcased how collective effort and strategic support can unlock the potential of heritage sites, ensure that Africa’s and the Arab world’s stories are told on the global stage, and contribute to the broader goals of Agenda 2063 and UNESCO’s Priority Africa.