Morocco Shines on World African and Afro-descendant Culture Day at UNESCO
Morocco Celebrates World African and Afro-Descendant Culture Day at UNESCO
Morocco commemorated World African and Afro-Descendant Culture Day on Wednesday evening at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, highlighting the diversity and richness of its cultural heritage. This event celebrated the cultures of the African continent and the African diasporas through a varied program that included music, gastronomy, and discussions, while also emphasizing the Kingdom’s African roots and connections.
The Moroccan ambassador to UNESCO, Samir Addahre, expressed the Kingdom’s pride in participating in this celebration, underscoring the importance of supporting initiatives that enhance African cultural identity. “Africa is our continent. We are deeply rooted in this culture,” he stated, recalling Morocco’s commitment to promoting this culture through international events.
World African and Afro-Descendant Culture Day, celebrated every January 24 since its declaration by UNESCO in 2019, aims to spotlight African and Afro-descendant culture while enhancing the recognition of these communities’ identities. Samir Addahre emphasized the rise of a new African consciousness, particularly among the youth of the continent, who seek to assert themselves beyond colonial frameworks.
The theme for the 2025 edition, “Preserving and Promoting Ancestral Heritage: A Momentum for Intergenerational Brotherhood,” was highlighted by Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of UNESCO’s General Conference. She discussed the importance of this heritage, rich in wisdom and resilience, to promote peace, social cohesion, and human development.
The evening also featured a debate on the youth’s appropriation of Africa’s narrative. Ismail Daoud, a Moroccan communication specialist focused on Africa, stressed culture’s crucial role as a tool of power, alongside the economy or trade. According to him, Africa must actively engage in the global cultural battle to defend and promote its identity.
The event also recognized individuals who contribute to the promotion of culture, peace, and the bridging of communities through the announcement of the JMCA-Kékéli 2025 award winners. This day represents an opportunity for African countries, Afro-descendant communities, and their partners to celebrate the contributions of Africans to the evolution of the world, while calling for all states to embrace this day.
Finally, by supporting initiatives like World African and Afro-Descendant Culture Day, Morocco reaffirms its central role in promoting African culture on an international scale.
