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Cape Verde’s President, José Maria Neves, has been appointed as the godfather of UNESCO’s General History of Africa program, recognising his role as the African Union Champion for the preservation of Africa’s natural and cultural heritage.
The announcement, made by the Presidency of the Republic through an official statement, described the invitation from UNESCO’s director-general as a significant milestone in promoting African history and culture.
It also noted that this appointment enhances Cape Verde’s international standing, giving the nation an influential voice in a program of global importance.
UNESCO expressed its expectation of President Neves’ “invaluable commitment” to mobilising African leaders, the diaspora, public and private partners, and civil society to support the vital task of updating the continent’s history and integrating it into school curricula, both in Africa and around the world.
“By accepting this invitation, President José Maria Neves reinforces his commitment to promoting African heritage and identity, aligning his mission with the program’s objectives,” the statement said.
The General History of Africa program, launched in 1964, is a far-reaching initiative aimed at rewriting Africa’s history from an African perspective. It seeks to deconstruct long-standing Eurocentric and colonial narratives that have marginalised and misrepresented the continent’s contributions to global civilisation.
Central to the project is an eight-volume collection produced by a scientific committee composed largely of African historians, who drew upon African sources and oral traditions to create a more comprehensive, authentic, and equitable account of the continent’s past.
UNESCO emphasises that this initiative not only reclaims history but also acts as a critical educational tool for decolonising school curricula and fostering deeper understanding and respect among nations.
With President Neves’ new role, Cape Verde becomes a key player in this cultural and historical endeavour, further solidifying its presence on the international stage.
