Ethiopia’s tourism minister has emphasized the importance of reclaiming cultural assets, asserting that these resources are best protected in their countries of origin. Sileshi Girma, State Minister of Tourism, stated that African nations have a fundamental right to reclaim their cultural heritage, highlighting the deep connection between cultural resources and national identity.
During a recent forum hosted by UNESCO in Addis Ababa, Sileshi stressed the necessity of strong international cooperation to combat the trafficking of cultural heritage. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to collaborating with the global community to facilitate the return of looted artifacts.
The forum was organized by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and aimed to address the challenges surrounding the recovery of cultural heritage across the continent. Sileshi noted that while previous efforts under the 1970 agreement to recover artifacts have seen some success, more work is needed.
Ethiopia is taking a leading role in advocating for international cooperation to restore looted cultural heritage, which Sileshi described as essential for healing historical wounds and achieving sustainable development. He called for “new forms of cooperation and agreements” to enhance efforts in restoring African cultural property.
Rita Bissoonauth, UNESCO Liaison Office representative in Ethiopia, highlighted the critical role of culture in Africa’s sustainable development. She pointed out that the cultural and creative sector significantly contributes to the global economy, supporting over 48 million jobs and emphasizing youth job creation.
Bissoonauth acknowledged ongoing challenges, including looting and human trafficking, and outlined UNESCO’s strategic approach to promoting cultural diversity and preserving heritage. She urged stakeholders to intensify efforts to protect these invaluable resources.
