High-Level Panel Side event under the theme: Reparations, Memory and Sovereignty: Common African Position on the Restitution of Heritage Resources
High-Level Panel Side event under the theme: Reparations, Memory and Sovereignty: Common African Position on the Restitution of Heritage Resources
WHAT: High-Level Panel Side event under the theme: Reparations, Memory and Sovereignty: Common African Position on the Restitution of Heritage Resources
WHEN: 13th 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
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