African World Heritage Day

May 5, Sunday

African World Heritage Day is a day declared by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to celebrate the cultural and natural heritage of Africa. The day is celebrated on 5 May each year. UNESCO declared the day in 2018.

Proclaimed by the 38th session of the General Conference of UNESCO (November 2015), African World Heritage Day (5 May) is an opportunity for people around the world, and particularly Africans, to celebrate the continent's unique cultural and natural heritage.

While Africa is underrepresented on the World Heritage List (African properties account for some 12% of all inscribed sites worldwide), a dis-proportionally high percentage (39%) of these properties are on the World Heritage List in Danger. Faced with various contemporary threats, such as climate change, uncontrolled development, poaching, civil unrest and instability, many of Africa's wonders risk losing their outstanding universal value. It is, therefore, more urgent than ever that this irreplaceable heritage be protected and preserved for the enjoyment of future generations.

African World Heritage Day – days left: 172. Create Countdown to Event

African World Heritage Day in other years

2021 May 5, Wednesday
2022 May 5, Thursday
2023 May 5, Friday
2025 May 5, Monday

African World Heritage Day in other countries