Ouagadougou: As part of Burkina Faso's Heritage Month, the Burkina Faso Copyright Office (BBDA) organized a public conference in Ouagadougou on Monday on the theme: "Popular progressive revolution, cultural sovereignty: role and responsibility of creators", in order to mobilize cultural actors around the affirmation of Burkina Faso's cultural independence. The Director General of the BBDA, Hamed Patindeba Patric Lega, explained that this initiative aims to encourage creators to reflect on their role and responsibilities in the revolutionary march of the country.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Burkina Faso's cultural heritage constitutes a national wealth from which Burkina Faso must draw to build self-sustaining and endogenous development. "The BBDA did not want to remain on the sidelines of this national dynamic," he indicated, stressing that the conference aims to stimulate discussions on the concrete contribution of artists and creators to the building of a sovereign society. The head of the BBDA also recalled that his institution has been increasing awareness-raising, training, and communication activities for several years in order to guide artistic productions towards supporting the ideals of the popular progressive revolution.

Presiding over the opening of the proceedings on behalf of the Minister of Culture, Special Advisor Michel Saba stated that culture is a strategic lever in regaining national sovereignty and consolidating Burkinab¨ identity. In the Minister of Culture's address, delivered by Mr. Saba, cultural heritage is not merely vestiges of the past, but represents a living wealth embodying the values, history, and vision of Burkina Faso. Quoting the minister, he recalled that this edition of Burkina Faso's Heritage Month, placed under the theme "Heritage and cultural diversity: commitment, role and responsibility of actors", aims to promote national cultural wealth and strengthen the involvement of citizens in its preservation.

Michel Saba invited artists, creators, and cultural actors to play their part fully in the revolutionary dynamic initiated by the Burkinabe authorities, stressing that "to create today is also to enlighten, transmit and resist". The minister's representative also stressed the need to promote intellectual works and strengthen mechanisms for the protection of cultural heritage and copyright.