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!Gaeb Commends Efforts in UNESCO Priority Africa Strategy


Windhoek: Director in the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC) Manfred !Gaeb has commended efforts to strengthen African capacities, aligning with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Priority Africa Strategy. Under its flagship programme of fostering cultural heritage and capacity development, the strategy aims to support African Member States in capacity building on World Heritage, particularly for the purposes of nominations and removal of sites from the List of World Heritage in Danger.



According to Namibia Press Agency, !Gaeb, during the Digital Technologies in Heritage workshop attended by over 50 local and international heritage experts, commended UNESCO, the African World Heritage Fund, ICCROM, and the World Heritage Centre for their ongoing dedication to strengthening African capacities in alignment with the Priority Africa Strategy. The workshop aims to explore emerging digital tools and innovative technologies that can strengthen conservation and management activities.



He cautioned against the consequences that could be suffered if no proper capabilities-enhancing investments are made, stating that failing to invest in enhancing capabilities could endanger more than just monuments, posing risks to memory, knowledge, and future opportunities. Under MEIYSAC’s supervision, the National Heritage Council of Namibia has been working to incorporate digital technologies into heritage education, site management, and public engagement.



One notable change highlighted by !Gaeb was the introduction of immersive storytelling through 360-degree Virtual Reality tours of the Twyfelfontein World Heritage Site, along with youth-led digital documentation projects of Namibian World Heritage Sites through site-focused documentaries. UNESCO Head of Office and Representative to Namibia, Eunice Smith, emphasized the impact of properly maintaining culture and heritage, noting their potential to contribute to job creation, generate income, and uplift communities who are custodians of cultural and natural heritage.