Arts and Culture Ambassador Kekura Malawala Kamara’s urgent plea for the Legislature to ratify eight UNESCO conventions underscores a critical juncture for Liberia’s cultural identity. The delay in ratification not only hampers the nation’s ability to preserve its unique cultural heritage, but also forfeits immediate and long-term economic, educational, and diplomatic benefits.
1. Time-Sensitive Threats to Heritage Sites
Kamara’s statement that “every day we delay, we risk the destruction of historical sites” speaks directly to the irreversible nature of cultural loss. Urbanization, environmental degradation, and neglect are relentless. Key sites like Providence Island and the Ducor Palace are deteriorating and may reach a point of no return without swift preservation efforts. Delay in ratification prevents access to UNESCO’s protective frameworks, conservation funding, and emergency technical support.
2. Loss of International Funding and Expertise
UNESCO conventions open the door to significant financial and technical assistance. Without ratification, Liberia remains ineligible for these resources. This is a missed opportunity at a time when domestic funding for cultural programs is limited. With UNESCO’s backing, Liberia could access grants for conservation, training for cultural workers, and inclusion in global heritage programs that drive sustainable tourism and job creation.
3. Economic Development Through Cultural Tourism
The transformation of heritage sites into educational and tourist destinations, as suggested by Kamara, has immense economic potential. Countries that invest in cultural tourism see tangible returns in employment, foreign exchange, and local enterprise growth. Delay prevents Liberia from tapping into this potential sector, especially when regional competitors are advancing their own cultural tourism strategies.
4. Preservation of Intangible Heritage and National Unity
Liberia’s oral traditions, ancestral stories, and dances form the fabric of its collective identity. These intangible elements, once lost, cannot be reconstructed. Ratifying the conventions would enable structured preservation, documentation, and promotion. Kamara’s reference to these as “threads that connect generations” captures their role in fostering national unity and pride—critical components of post-conflict societal healing.
5. International Recognition and Soft Power
Ratification positions Liberia as a responsible cultural steward on the global stage. It strengthens diplomatic ties, enhances the country’s image, and builds alliances with cultural institutions worldwide. This soft power can translate into broader international support across sectors.
Recommendations:
1. Expedite Legislative Review and Ratification: The Legislature must prioritize the review and immediate ratification of the eight conventions. A special session or fast-track process may be warranted to reflect the urgency of the situation.
2. Establish a National Heritage Task Force: This body, comprising lawmakers, cultural leaders, educators, and youth representatives, should oversee implementation, raise public awareness, and coordinate with UNESCO partners post-ratification.
3. Integrate Cultural Heritage in National Development Plans: Make heritage preservation a pillar of national planning in education, tourism, and infrastructure, ensuring sustainable management and funding.
4. Mobilize Civil Society and Media: A national campaign highlighting the value of heritage and the dangers of inaction could build public pressure and foster communal ownership.
Delay is not merely bureaucratic—it is destructive. Liberia must act now to protect its cultural soul, harness global opportunities, and reaffirm its identity for future generations.
