Zambia elected to represent Africa on UNESCO committee

Zambia has been elected to represent the Africa Group on the Inter-government Committee for the Safeguard of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), a senior official said on Thursday.

Sakabilo Kalambwe, public relations officer with Ministry of Tourism and Arts, said the election to the 24-member committee was held during the just-ended sixth session of the General Assembly of the State Parties to the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Paris.

"Zambia will serve in the African States group as a member for a period of four years," he said in a statement.

Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Arts Stephen Mwansa said it was a happy moment for Zambia to be given such an opportunity to represent other African countries on such an important committee that deals with cultural heritage.

The Inter-governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage has 66 member states divided into six groups, representing Western Europe and North America, East Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asian and Pacific States, Africa, and Arab States.

The core functions of the committee are to promote the objectives of the Convention, provide guidance on best practices and make recommendations on measures for the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage. Endit