Kinshasa, March 2nd, 2026 (CPA) – The security of cultural heritage and the promotion of a culture of peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo were discussed in Paris during a meeting between Khaled El-Enany, Director-General of UNESCO, and Émile Ngoy, Congolese Ambassador to France, CPA learned Monday from a press release. “The security of cultural heritage and the culture of peace in eastern DRC, where educational infrastructures are being destroyed indiscriminately, were among the major points presented by Professor Émile Ngoy Kasongo in his capacity as Permanent Delegate of the DRC to UNESCO and Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to France,” the embassy statement read. “The ambassador also highlighted the need to promote and diversify heritage (Culture and Creative Economy). He emphasized the importance of revitalizing the cultural and creative industries in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, both recognized as UNESCO Creative Cities,” the release added.
The Congolese diplomat further requested UNESCO’s involvement in finding appropriate solutions to enhance the sites of the Lovo Massif in Kongo Central (rock art), the Moanda Memorial (Nsiamfumu, the route of enslaved people), and the Holy City of N’Kamba (Basilica, mausoleum, museum, and river). “He requested the technical expertise of the UNESCO Secretariat to support the completion of these projects,” the source indicated. Referring to the Post-2030 Goals on science and sustainable development, Professor Émile Ngoy Kasongo discussed UNESCO’s scientific mandate and the role of the DRC as a “green lung.” “In this context, he expressed the DRC’s desire to position the Congo River and its forest basin as a major national and African heritage, from scientific (subaquatic heritage), ecological, and cultural perspectives, while also highlighting the role of the Yangambi Center and the Flux Tower for the biosphere,” the document noted. The Permanent Delegate of the DRC to UNESCO also called for capacity building in universities and peripheral research centers for biosphere management and environmental studies (e.g., universities of Kisangani and Bunia). Additionally, the Congolese ambassador highlighted the importance of the 1954 Hague Convention, noting that the DRC recently distinguished itself by winning at the Committee of the 2nd Protocol of the Hague Convention and being elected to the Bureau of the same Committee as rapporteur. Finally, Professor Émile Ngoy Kasongo advocated for organizing the African Week under the presidency of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the support of the UNESCO Director-General. At UNESCO headquarters, the head of the UN agency responsible for culture and science acknowledged the Congolese diplomat’s requests and promised to work with his committee to develop sustainable solutions in the interest of both the DRC and humanity.