High-Level Panel Side event under the theme: Reparations, Memory and Sovereignty: Common African Position on the Restitution of Heritage Resources

Event

شباط/فبراير 13, 2026 - 15:00 - شباط/فبراير 13, 2026 - 17:00

WHAT: High-Level Panel Side event under the theme: Reparations, Memory and Sovereignty: Common African Position on the Restitution of Heritage Resources

WHEN: 13^th February 2026

TIME: 03:00 PM

WHERE: AUC, Small Conference Hall 2

WHO: African Union, Republic of Ghana and UNESCO

WHY: To strengthen multilateral cooperation, negotiation and high-level engagement around the restitution of African heritage resources, in line with Aspiration 5 of Agenda 2063, the Common African Position (CAP) on Restitution of Heritage Resources (2023) as well as the outcomes of the UNESCO African Dialogue of January 2025

Key Speakers:

H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, Chairperson of the African Union (TBC)
H.E John Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana and African Union Champion on Advancing the Cause of Justice and Payment of Reparations to Africans
H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission
H.E Dr. Khaled El-Enany, Director-General, UNESCO (TBC)

Expected outcomes:

AU political leadership, in line with the upcoming Decade on “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations”
Discussion on strengthening consensus on the restitution agenda in line with the Common African Position on Restitution of Heritage Resources for international engagements.
Highlighting the work of the Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property to its Countries of Origin (ICPRCP) promoted and popularized
Enhanced awareness on key continental instruments to assist Member States in strengthening their legislative frameworks on heritage protection and initiation of restitution negotiations
Popularizing the African Union's Common African Position on the Restitution of Cultural Property and Heritage.
Identification of pilot projects for restitution, including potential bilateral agreements and technical cooperation frameworks
Greater involvement of youth and local communities through the use of digital heritage tools, education initiatives, and public engagement strategies

Media Access:

Accredited members of the media are invited to cover the opening session and key highlights of the event.

Media Contact:

Noel John | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | Email: Kenyin@africanunion.org

Media Advisory

Media Advisory (EN)