UNESCO & Cape Verde Launch ‘Atlantic Creoleness’ Platform
UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany announced on Thursday that the organization is “ready” to partner with Cape Verde to launch an ambitious “Atlantic Creoleness” platform. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between Africa and its global diasporas through shared heritage and sustainable development.
The announcement came during El-Enany’s official visit to the archipelago, where he emphasized the project’s potential as a tool for intercultural dialogue and lasting peace. The platform follows the “Praia Declaration,” a document approved in May during the first international meeting on the subject, which calls for Creole cultures to be promoted as a living heritage of humanity.
Connecting the African Diaspora
According to El-Enany, the platform will serve as more than just a cultural archive; it is intended to be a permanent forum for Atlantic cooperation. This move aligns with recent local efforts, including a call from Cape Verdean President José Maria Neves to officialize Cape Verdean Creole and elevate its status as a vital mother tongue.
“UNESCO is ready to work with Cape Verde on the development of Atlantic Creoleness as an international platform connecting Africa and its diasporas,” El-Enany stated. He noted that the initiative would support shared memory and community resilience while generating economic and social benefits for the local population.
A Strategic Partner in the Atlantic
El-Enany highlighted that Cape Verde occupies a “special place” within UNESCO’s strategic vision, as it represents a convergence of two major priorities: Africa and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The partnership builds on an already robust relationship, which includes the World Heritage status of Cidade Velha, the classification of ‘Morna’ music as Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the biosphere reserves on Fogo and Maio islands.
Beyond culture, the Director-General praised Cape Verde’s leadership in environmental protection. The nation established Africa’s first national committee for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, positioning itself as a regional leader in climate resilience.
Diplomatic Mission Continues
The Director-General’s visit includes high-level meetings with Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho and Cabinet ministers covering culture, foreign affairs, and defense. On Friday, El-Enany traveled to Boa Vista to meet with President José Maria Neves.
The mission will conclude on Saturday, where El-Enany is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at the closing ceremony of the fifth Ocean Decade Conference, reinforcing the link between cultural identity and the preservation of the marine environment.
Image: Pexels – Thomas Schwaak
