By Charles Nkhoma
Lilongwe, November 28, Mana: Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Owen Chomanika, has announced that his ministry, in collaboration with the Malawi National Commission for UNESCO, will host the 2024 National Conference for the Creative and Heritage Industries.
The event is scheduled to take place from December 3rd to 4th, 2024, at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe.
Speaking during a press conference held at the Department of Unity in Lilongwe on Thursday, Chomanika emphasized the significance of the conference as part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening institutional capacities for implementing the Malawi National Cultural Policy.
He said the initiative aligns with the UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.
‘The conference, themed ‘Empowering Malawi’s Creative and Heritage Industries for Sustainable Development in the arts and Heritage sectors is in line with the provisions of the enacted National Arts and Heritage Act, 2024.
“The main objective is to foster discussions on policy issues and research that are critical to the growth and sustainability of the sectors,” he added.
In an interview, Acting Deputy Executive Secretary for the Malawi National Commission for UNESCO, David Mulera, underscored the importance of the event.
‘Our interest is to support the government and stakeholders in articulating strategies for implementing the UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Promotion of Cultural Diversity.
“The conference will cover several key topics, including the establishment of an arts and heritage promotion fund. Discussions will also focus on the renewal of the national cultural policy,’ he said.
The event aims to unite policymakers, industry players, and cultural advocates to advance the creative and heritage sectors as catalysts for sustainable development in Malawi.
