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, reinforcing UNESCO’s mandate to promote respect for cultural diversity and human creativity around the globe. As a rich source of the world’s shared heritage, promoting African and Afrodescendant culture is crucial for sustainable development, mutual respect, dialogue and peace.
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.
« On this World Day, it is not simply a single, individual culture which we are celebrating, but a multitude of cultures of exceptional diversity. We are also honouring artists from every country and in every field – from film, music and dance to fashion and design, all creative industries which sustain artists – in order to foster the African cultural renaissance. » Audrey Azoulay, Director General of UNESCO