Creation of the Association of the Network of African Cities for Culture and Heritage

During the fifth edition of the international forum of the Medinas held from 27 to 29 April 2017 in Larache City (Morocco), the Association of the Network of African Cities for Culture and Heritage was created.

The Secretary-General of UCLG Africa, Mr. Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi made the announcement at the closing ceremony. The Presidency of the network was entrusted to the city of Chefchaouen led by Mayor Mohamed Sefiani. The city of d’Odienné in Ivory Coast led by Mrs. Nassénéba Touré, holds the Vice-Presidency for West Africa Region, in the Executive Committee. Morocco will host the headquarters of this network in Larache city.

For the 5th edition of the International Forum of Medinas, the theme was: “Sustainable Heritage: Financing and Governance.”  A theme explored during three panels:

-Heritage: financing and upgrading;

-Sustainable heritage and good governance;

-The role of civil society in the development of heritage.

It was the occasion to highlight the roles and responsibilities of local authorities in protecting and developing heritage.

The forum also highlighted the importance of the intangible heritage of cities in the development of public policies, countries resources valorization and assessment, and the improvement of the living conditions and protection of space.

The meeting was organized by the Mediterranean Network of Medinas and Development of Heritage, the municipality of Larache in partnership with several international organizations including UCLG Africa.