African World Heritage Day 2026
May 5, 2026 in the World
African World Heritage Day is observed on May 05, 2026. It was proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2015 and has been celebrated annually since 2016. The date does not commemorate a specific historical event.
The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the exceptional cultural and natural heritage of Africa, and to highlight the need for its protection and promotion. It draws attention to the challenges African heritage sites face, including limited resources, environmental threats and conflict.
African World Heritage Day supports capacity-building, community involvement and international cooperation to safeguard heritage across the continent. UNESCO encourages inclusive strategies that ensure heritage conservation contributes to sustainable development.