UNESCO–Africa–China Workshop strengthens World Heritage capacity and cooperation in Quanzhou

The UNESCO-Africa-China Workshop on World Heritage, Capacity-Building and Cooperation brought together 26 heritage professionals from 17 African countries in Quanzhou, China, from 20 to 25 October 2026. Through six days of exchanges and practical training with Chinese experts and international partners, participants explored how to strengthen World Heritage nominations, conservation, monitoring and management of cultural and natural heritage.

Co-organised by the World Heritage Centre, the Fujian Provincial Bureau of Cultural Heritage and the Quanzhou Municipal People’s Government, with support from the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO and the National Cultural Heritage Administration, the event built on the 2025 Quanzhou Symposium to support implementation of the World Heritage Convention in Africa. The workshop was held under the China Funds-in-Trust (Quanzhou) for Capacity-Building on World Heritage in Africa, contributing to UNESCO’s Global Priority Africa.

"For UNESCO, capacity-building is not simply transferring technical knowledge. It is an investment in people, institutions and networks. It must strengthen national ownership, support professional leadership and create lasting impact."

Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre

Discussions connected nomination, management and monitoring as parts of a continuing responsibility for heritage. In addition, training on the Upstream Process and Preliminary Assessment highlighted early dialogue, national ownership and community involvement. African and Chinese case studies demonstrated how research and comparative analysis can support clear statements of Outstanding Universal Value and guide long-term protection.

Participants reflected on the knowledge, skills and approaches needed to support the effective conservation and management of heritage. Management sessions linked heritage values with workable plans, traditional knowledge and the assessment of potential impacts.

© Quanzhou Municipal People’s Government / UNESCO / Participants, experts and organising partners gather for the workshop’s opening in Quanzhou, 20 October 2026.

A field visit on 24 October to “Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China” brought these discussions into a living urban setting, linking protection arrangements with community life and job creation. Complementary sessions led by the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST) examined geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing and digital monitoring. The focus was on adapting approaches to local conditions and connecting monitoring evidence with practical decisions.

The Workshop also advanced preparations for the Fourth Cycle of Periodic Reporting in Africa, clarifying facilitators’ role in supporting, rather than replacing, States Parties’ own assessments. Sessions stressed how evidence-based reporting can identify conservation needs and inform management priorities. Participants proposed regional expert rosters, mentoring and stronger partnerships with universities and UNESCO Category 2 Centres to sustain learning beyond individual workshops. These proposals require further consultation and resources, while offering practical directions for connecting professional development with the needs of national institutions and heritage sites.

The programme concluded with the presentation of training certificates.

© UNESCO / Rouran Zhang / Participants receive training certificates at the conclusion of the workshop, 25 October 2026.

The World Heritage Centre thanks the Chinese authorities, the Quanzhou hosts and all contributing partners. Building on the knowledge and experience of both African and Chinese institutions, the exchanges provide a basis for continued cooperation in support of World Heritage conservation, management and nominations, while fostering benefits for communities and youth.

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