{"id":14677,"date":"2025-02-10T22:03:09","date_gmt":"2025-02-10T21:03:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/?p=14677"},"modified":"2025-02-17T13:12:06","modified_gmt":"2025-02-17T12:12:06","slug":"2025-anno-del-patrimonio-culturale-africano-rigenerazione-restituzione-e-collaborazione-globale","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/","title":{"rendered":"2025, Year of African Cultural Heritage: Regeneration, Restitution and Global Collaboration"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>African Cultural Heritage Year (2025): A Bridge Between Past, Present and Future<\/strong><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-white ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Index<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #1e73be;color:#1e73be\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #1e73be;color:#1e73be\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#Introduzione\" >Introduction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#Contesto_Perche_il_2025\" >Context: Why 2025?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#Una_Risposta_alle_Ferite_Coloniali\" >A Response to Colonial Wounds<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#LAgenda_2063_dellUnione_Africana\" >The African Union's Agenda 2063<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#Le_Iniziative_Cardine_del_2025\" >The Flagship Initiatives of 2025<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#1_Restituzioni_e_Riconciliazione\" >1. Restitution and Reconciliation<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#Il_Caso_Benin_e_il_Modello_Svizzero\" >The Benin Case and the Swiss Model<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#Collaborazioni_Italia-Africa\" >Italy-Africa collaborations<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#2_Tecnologie_per_la_Conservazione\" >2. Conservation Technologies<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#Digitalizzazione_e_Realta_Aumentata\" >Digitisation and Augmented Reality<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#Musei_Virtuali_e_Blockchain\" >Virtual Museums and Blockchain<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#3_Valorizzazione_dei_Siti_UNESCO\" >3. Enhancement of UNESCO Sites<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#Turismo_Sostenibile_e_Comunita_Locali\" >Sustainable Tourism and Local Communities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#Rigenerazione_Urbana\" >Urban Regeneration<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#Sfide_e_Criticita\" >Challenges and Criticalities<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#1_Legalita_e_Infrastrutture\" >1. Legality and Infrastructure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#2_Dilemmi_Etici_sulle_Restituzioni\" >2. Ethical Dilemmas on Returns<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#3_Finanziamenti_e_Dipendenza_Esterna\" >3. Financing and External Dependence<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#Collaborazioni_Internazionali_Modelli_Virtuosi\" >International Collaborations: Virtuous Models<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#1_Unione_Europea_e_Global_Gateway\" >1. European Union and Global Gateway<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#2_Cina_e_Nuove_Vie_della_Seta_Culturale\" >2. China and the New Cultural Silk Roads<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#3_Reti_Accademiche_e_Diaspora\" >3. Academic Networks and Diaspora<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#Prospettive_Future_Oltre_il_2025\" >Future Perspectives: Beyond 2025<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#1_UnAgenzia_Africana_per_il_Patrimonio\" >1. An African Heritage Agency<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#2_Arte_Contemporanea_come_Strumento_di_Cambiamento\" >2. Contemporary Art as an Instrument of Change<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#3_Educazione_e_Coinvolgimento_Giovanile\" >3. Youth Education and Involvement<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#Verso_un_Nuovo_Rinascimento_Africano\" >Towards a New African Renaissance<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"466\" src=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-17.png\" alt=\"African Cultural Heritage Year\" class=\"wp-image-14690\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-17.png 700w, https:\/\/aedic.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-17-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/aedic.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-17-18x12.png 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduzione\"><\/span>Introduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>2025 promises to be a crucial year for Africa, with the official designation of the<strong>African Cultural Heritage Year<\/strong>an initiative that aims to enhance the continent's immense historical, artistic and social heritage, often threatened by conflict, climate change and colonial legacies. This project, supported by international institutions, African governments and cultural organisations, is not just a celebration of the past, but an opportunity to redefine Africa's role in the global cultural landscape, promoting historical justice, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article we explore the key objectives, emblematic initiatives, challenges and international collaborations related to this symbolic year, with a focus on colonial restitution, innovative technologies and models of cooperation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Contesto_Perche_il_2025\"><\/span>Context: Why 2025?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Una_Risposta_alle_Ferite_Coloniali\"><\/span>A Response to Colonial Wounds<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Year of African Cultural Heritage comes at a time when the debate on the&nbsp;<strong>return of looted works of art<\/strong>&nbsp;during colonialism reached a turning point. According to estimates, over 90% of Africa's cultural heritage is located outside the continent, preserved in European museums and private collections. Initiatives such as the&nbsp;<strong>Sarr-Savoy report<\/strong>&nbsp;(2018), which prompted France to return 26 works to Benin in 2021, paved the way for a process of ethical repair, culminating in 2025 with pilot projects in countries such as Nigeria, Ethiopia and Senegal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"LAgenda_2063_dellUnione_Africana\"><\/span>The African Union's Agenda 2063<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Year 2025 fits into the broader framework of the<strong>Agenda 2063<\/strong>the continental plan for sustainable development, which identifies culture as a pillar for African integration and the construction of a pan-African identity. Among the objectives:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Heritage digitisation<\/strong>: Creating accessible archives to preserve manuscripts, works of art and oral traditions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Promoting cultural tourism<\/strong>: Enhancing UNESCO sites such as Lalibela (Ethiopia) or Timbuktu (Mali).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Training young curators<\/strong>programmes such as the Virtual Pan-African University (PAVEU) to manage museums and archaeological sites.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-16-1024x640.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14689\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-16-1024x640.png 1024w, https:\/\/aedic.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-16-300x188.png 300w, https:\/\/aedic.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-16-768x480.png 768w, https:\/\/aedic.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-16-18x12.png 18w, https:\/\/aedic.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-16.png 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Le_Iniziative_Cardine_del_2025\"><\/span>The Flagship Initiatives of 2025<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Restituzioni_e_Riconciliazione\"><\/span>1. Restitution and Reconciliation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Il_Caso_Benin_e_il_Modello_Svizzero\"><\/span>The Benin Case and the Swiss Model<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The exhibition&nbsp;<em>'In dialogue with Benin: art, colonialism, restitution'<\/em>&nbsp;at the Rietberg Museum in Zurich (2024-2025) is an innovative example of cooperation. Curated by Nigerian and Swiss scholars, the exhibition not only recounts the looting of 1897, but also involves contemporary artists such as Cherry-Ann Morgan to reinterpret the colonial trauma. In parallel, the docufilm&nbsp;<em>Dahomey<\/em>&nbsp;by Mati Diop, winner at the Berlinale 2024, documents the return of 26 works to Benin, highlighting the political ambiguities and expectations of the new generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Collaborazioni_Italia-Africa\"><\/span>Italy-Africa collaborations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Italy actively participates through the&nbsp;<strong>Culture Decree 2025<\/strong>which establishes a mission unit for cooperation with Africa, coordinating cultural regeneration projects and public-private partnerships. One example is the exhibition&nbsp;<em>Souvenir d'Italie<\/em>&nbsp;in Dakar, where Italian-African artists such as Binta Diaw explore identity and migration, linking African heritage to Italian culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Tecnologie_per_la_Conservazione\"><\/span>2. Conservation Technologies<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Digitalizzazione_e_Realta_Aumentata\"><\/span>Digitisation and Augmented Reality<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Projects such as&nbsp;<strong>CHANGES<\/strong>&nbsp;(Italian PNRR) use artificial intelligence and 3D scanning to map endangered sites, such as the rock churches of Lalibela. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Niger, the programme&nbsp;<strong>ArchiMed<\/strong>&nbsp;creates open-source databases for Tuareg manuscripts, preserving ancient languages such as Tifinagh.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"968\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-15-968x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14688\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-15-968x1024.png 968w, https:\/\/aedic.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-15-283x300.png 283w, https:\/\/aedic.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-15-768x813.png 768w, https:\/\/aedic.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-15-11x12.png 11w, https:\/\/aedic.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-15.png 1439w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 968px) 100vw, 968px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Musei_Virtuali_e_Blockchain\"><\/span>Virtual Museums and Blockchain<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>La\u00a0<strong>African Space Agency<\/strong>\u00a0(Egypt) collaborates with Google Arts &amp; Culture to launch virtual platforms, such as\u00a0<em>African Heritage Online<\/em>which makes African museum collections accessible to a global audience. Blockchain, introduced in projects such as the\u00a0<strong>Shoah Memorial in Milan<\/strong>is tested to trace the provenance of works of art, combating illicit trafficking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Valorizzazione_dei_Siti_UNESCO\"><\/span>3. Enhancement of UNESCO Sites<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Turismo_Sostenibile_e_Comunita_Locali\"><\/span>Sustainable Tourism and Local Communities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>2025 will see the launch of transnational routes, such as the&nbsp;<strong>Route of the African Empires<\/strong>which links sites such as the Royal Palaces of Abomey (Benin) and Fort Jesus (Kenya) 10. In Morocco, projects such as&nbsp;<strong>Noor Ouarzazate<\/strong>&nbsp;integrate solar energy and heritage conservation, transforming ancient kasbahs into eco-resorts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rigenerazione_Urbana\"><\/span>Urban Regeneration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;<strong>Olivetti Plan for Culture<\/strong>included in the Italian Culture Decree, inspires interventions in cities like Lagos and Nairobi, where abandoned libraries and theatres become cultural hubs for young artists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sfide_e_Criticita\"><\/span>Challenges and Criticalities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Legalita_e_Infrastrutture\"><\/span>1. Legality and Infrastructure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite progress, the 60% of African countries lack specific laws to protect heritage. In Mali, for example, the destruction of mausoleums in Timbuktu by extremist groups (2012) highlighted the urgent need for physical and legal protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Dilemmi_Etici_sulle_Restituzioni\"><\/span>2. Ethical Dilemmas on Returns<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The return of works of art raises complex questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Accessibility vs. Security<\/strong>: European museums fear that the returned works might be sold or damaged.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Contrasting Narratives<\/strong>: As highlighted in&nbsp;<em>Dahomey<\/em>young African generations criticise the political use of restitution, calling for a more inclusive approach.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Finanziamenti_e_Dipendenza_Esterna\"><\/span>3. Financing and External Dependence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>According to UNESCO, we need&nbsp;<strong>USD 2 billion annually<\/strong>&nbsp;to preserve African heritage, but only 15% of the funds come from local governments. Programmes such as&nbsp;<strong>Africa50<\/strong>&nbsp;seek to bridge the gap by involving private investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Collaborazioni_Internazionali_Modelli_Virtuosi\"><\/span>International Collaborations: Virtuous Models<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Unione_Europea_e_Global_Gateway\"><\/span>1. European Union and Global Gateway<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The EU has allocated&nbsp;<strong>150 billion<\/strong>&nbsp;for cultural projects in Africa, including digitising the archives in Timbuktu and training restorers in Ethiopia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Cina_e_Nuove_Vie_della_Seta_Culturale\"><\/span>2. China and the New Cultural Silk Roads<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>China finances museums such as the&nbsp;<strong>Museum of African Civilisation<\/strong>&nbsp;in Dakar, promoting bilateral exchanges. However, critics denounce risks of neo-colonial 'soft power'.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Reti_Accademiche_e_Diaspora\"><\/span>3. Academic Networks and Diaspora<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Events such as the&nbsp;<strong>Cultural Heritage Dialogues<\/strong>&nbsp;in Bari (February 2025) bring together African and European scholars to discuss technologies applied to cultural heritage, creating synergies between universities and institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prospettive_Future_Oltre_il_2025\"><\/span>Future Perspectives: Beyond 2025<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_UnAgenzia_Africana_per_il_Patrimonio\"><\/span>1. An African Heritage Agency<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Proposed by the African Union, this agency would coordinate continental policies, modelled on the<strong>ICCROM<\/strong>&nbsp;(International Centre for Conservation Studies).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Arte_Contemporanea_come_Strumento_di_Cambiamento\"><\/span>2. Contemporary Art as an Instrument of Change<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Artists such as Ibrahim Mahama (Ghana) and Wangechi Mutu (Kenya) use installations to denounce looting and promote hybrid identities, as seen in the Dakar Biennial 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Educazione_e_Coinvolgimento_Giovanile\"><\/span>3. Youth Education and Involvement<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Programmes such as&nbsp;<strong>Heritage Schools<\/strong>&nbsp;in South Africa teach students to map historical sites with drones, combining tradition and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Verso_un_Nuovo_Rinascimento_Africano\"><\/span>Towards a New African Renaissance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Year of African Cultural Heritage is not just a celebration, but a&nbsp;<strong>laboratory of the future<\/strong>where historical justice, technology and cooperation intertwine to build a more united and conscious Africa. As Felwine Sarr, co-author of the restitution report, points out:&nbsp;<strong><em>'Heritage is not a relic of the past, but a seed for the future'<\/em>&nbsp;.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Investors<\/strong>Support dedicated funds such as&nbsp;<strong>African Cultural Heritage Fund<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Governments<\/strong>Implement laws to protect sites and promote ethical tourism.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Citizens<\/strong>Participate in initiatives such as&nbsp;<strong>#MyAfricanHeritage<\/strong>&nbsp;to share stories and traditions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>African Cultural Heritage Year (2025): A Bridge Between Past, Present and Future Introduction The year 2025 promises to be a crucial one for Africa, with the official designation of the African Cultural Heritage Year, an initiative that aims to valorise the continent's immense historical, artistic and social heritage, often ... <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"2025, Year of African Cultural Heritage: Regeneration, Restitution and Global Collaboration\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/human-rights\/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration\/#more-14677\" aria-label=\"More on 2025, Year of African Cultural Heritage: Regeneration, Restitution and Global Collaboration\">Read more<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14661,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_generate-full-width-content":"","iawp_total_views":341,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[543,545,542,544,546],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14677"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14677"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14677\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14768,"href":"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14677\/revisions\/14768"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14661"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14677"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14677"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aedic.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14677"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}