African culture - International Day

World Day for African and Afrodescendant Culture

24 January

Held every year on 24 January, World Day for African and Afrodescendant Culture celebrates the many vibrant cultures of the African continent and African Diasporas around the world, and promotes them as an effective lever for sustainable development, dialogue and peace. As a rich source of the world’s shared heritage, promoting African and Afrodescendant culture is  crucial for the development of the continent, and for humanity as a whole.

UNESCO adopted 24 January as the World Day for African and Afrodescendant Culture at the 40th session of the UNESCO General Conference in 2019.  This date coincides with the adoption of the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance in 2006 by the Heads of State and Government of the African Union. Celebration of this day also aims to promote the widest possible ratification and implementation of this Charter by African States, thereby strengthening the role of culture in promoting peace on the continent.

OUR PLACE The World Heritage Collection / Chris Morton / Ngorongoro Conservation Area (United Republic of Tanzania)
"As we celebrate the World Day for African and Afro-descendant Culture, UNESCO is highlighting the talent, passion and determination of African and Afro-descendant artists and professionals in the cultural sector. Despite the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, these inspiring artists are constantly using creativity to expand our horizons."
UNESCO Director-General
Audrey Azoulay Director-General of UNESCO

Message from the Director-General - UNESCO
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Ghana to Host World Day for African and Afro-descendant Culture 2022

From January 24-26, Ghana shall be celebrating the World Day for African and Afro-descendant Culture (WDAAC) to highlight the contributions of cultures of the African continent and the African diasporas around the world, as well as their role in driving sustainable development, dialogue, and peace. The year’s celebration shall be led by the African Network of Cultural Promoters and Entrepreneurs (RAPEC), the government of Ghana with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and culture and its agencies, Associations of African Universities (AAU) with support from UNESCO. Some of the series of activities include: 

Rocky Dawuni, UNEP Regional Goodwill Ambassador for Africa and Ambassador for JMCA.
Proclamation of world day for African and afrodescendant culture
UN website about this day
Past Edition
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