IUCN and the African World Heritage Fund: a strategic partnership to strengthen the protection of World Heritage in Africa.

The discussions were both operational and visionary. Participants reviewed the Fund’s activity report for April–September 2025, explored strategies for sustainable financing and resource mobilisation, and laid the groundwork for a landmark celebration: the AWHF’s 20th anniversary throughout 2026. This milestone will be marked by a series of flagship events celebrating two decades of sustainable investment in Africa’s heritage and serves as a pivotal moment to reflect on past achievements and galvanize action for the future.

For IUCN, the partnership with AWHF is essential. In 2026, alongside contributing to the AWHF's 20 anniversary celebrations, we will work closely with the AWHF on several strategic priorities that directly support our shared goals:

• Contribute to a better representation of African properties on the World Heritage List;
• Contribute to improving the conservation of World Heritage properties in Africa;
• Stimulate the inclusion of World Heritage in sustainable growth for local communities.

This meeting was a great opportunity to reinforce the longstanding collaboration between IUCN and the Fund, harmonize our work plans, and advance the implementation of the IUCN World Heritage Strategy 2023-2030 and the AWHF Strategic Plan 2022-2027.” - Paul Ngafack, the IUCN representative to the meeting.

The AWHF is an intergovernmental organisation created in 2006 by the African Union and UNESCO to address the challenges faced by African States Parties in the implementation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention, specifically, the underrepresentation of African sites on the World Heritage List and the insufficient conservation and management of these sites. IUCN is honoured to participate in Board meetings as an observer and as a committed partner, leveraging our role as the Advisory Body to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee on natural and mixed sites to contribute expertise and strengthen institutional synergies.

IUCN extends its gratitude to the AWHF Secretariat and all the governors for the fruitful dialogue. We look forward to continuing this strong collaboration with the AWHF during its anniversary year and beyond to ensure a resilient and thriving future for Africa’s unique heritage.