The commissions of the Economic Community of States of West Africa (ECOWAS) and Economic and Monetary Union West African (UEMOA) convened a meeting of ministers responsible for culture of the member states of the two organizations on Sunday November 30, 2025.

Professor Fatou Sow SARR, curator of the ECOWAS for human development and social affairs, emphasized that the cultural heritage of West Africa is not only a testimony alive in its history, but also a fundamental pillar of identity regional and an essential source of pride. According to the latter, “he It is therefore essential that, wherever cultural property belonging to to our States, we undertook coordinated, sustained and constant efforts to ensure their return and strengthen the regional heritage that we night”.

During the meeting, ministers reviewed and approved the recommendations made by the experts who had met previously to discuss key issues, including the implementation of the Plan of action of ECOWAS (2027-2031); the progress and challenges that lie ahead confronted Member States with regard to the return and return of goods cultural institutions; and the state of national cultural policies and institutions responsible for the protection of heritage and cultural industries and creative.