Latest news with #culturalpreservation
Al Jazeera
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
The Nairobi family values conference: When tradition is a colonial trap
Across Africa, debates about cultural preservation and traditional values are increasingly being influenced by forces that promote conservative social agendas rooted in colonial and missionary legacies. These movements, often backed by generous Western funding, seek to impose rigid, exclusionary values that contradict the continent's diverse and historically dynamic cultures. A recent example of this dynamic played out last week in Nairobi, where the second Pan-African Conference on Family Values organised by the Africa Christian Professionals Forum sparked controversy by claiming to defend 'traditional' African family values. The event's foreign supporters, including the Center for Family and Human Rights (C-Fam) and Family Watch International, are known for their opposition to LGBTQ rights, reproductive health, and comprehensive sex education. These organisations, some classified as hate groups by the United States-based Southern Poverty Law Center, often present their positions as inherently African, despite their deep connections to Western conservative funding. This duplicity came to the fore ahead of the conference in Nairobi when it was revealed that the preliminary list of speakers consisted entirely of white men. During the event, participants were urged to 'resist growing trends that seek to redefine marriage, weaken the institution of family, or devalue human sexuality' and to rise up to defend the African family from a 'new colonialism'. Yet the fact is that the narrative of preserving tradition that was on full display at the conference is far from organic. Instead, it itself continues a pattern established during the colonial era, when imperial powers imposed patriarchal norms and strict social hierarchies under the guise of paradoxically both preserving and 'civilising' indigenous cultures. In doing so, missionary and colonial institutions both reimagined and reframed African social structures to align with Victorian ideals, embedding rigid gender roles and heteronormative family models into the social fabric and inventing supposedly ancient and unchanging 'traditions' to support them. The latter were themselves built on self-serving ideas of Africans as 'noble savages', living in happy conformity with supposedly 'natural' values, trapped by petrified 'culture', and undisturbed by the moral questions that plagued their civilised Western counterparts from whose corruption they needed to be protected. As the conference demonstrated, local political actors and governments often support these agendas, either for political expediency or due to genuine alignment with their conservative worldview. There is also support from some quarters of the NGO sector, which gives the movements a veneer of legitimacy while obscuring their colonial roots. The Nairobi conference put the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) in the spotlight when it was accused of endorsing the event by allowing it to be hosted at the Boma Hotel, which it co-owns. Though KRCS has denied any direct involvement in the event, pointing out that it was not involved in the day-to-day decisions of the hotel management, the controversy still highlights the challenges and dangers even well-meaning humanitarian organisations can face. Humanitarian institutions have historically been complicit in the colonial enterprise, and it is perhaps not surprising that they struggle to see through narratives that seek to solidify colonial agendas under the guise of protecting indigenous values. Part of the problem is that there is increasing confusion about what approach needs to be taken to address growing calls to 'decolonise' the activities of the aid industry. One aspect of this process is a recognition of the primacy of indigenous values and local practices of mutual aid. However, when organisations fail to critically examine whether the values coded as indigenous or, in this case, 'African', in reality reflect and embed colonial logics and assumptions about indigenous societies, they may inadvertently find themselves perpetuating harmful agendas. That is why, when faced with narratives such as the ones propagated at the Pan-African Conference on Family Values, it is important to understand the difference between decolonisation and decoloniality. Though related, the two frameworks are distinct. The first largely focuses on transferring power to the formerly colonised, while the latter deals with the logics and values that are the legacy of colonisation. In the aftermath of the 1960s' decolonisation, the failure to address coloniality left many African countries saddled with elites, states, and governance arrangements that upheld colonial frameworks and approaches. Kenya itself was a case in point. In 1967, nearly four years after independence, Masinde Muliro, a prominent Kenyan politician, observed: 'Today we have a black man's Government, and the black man's Government administers exactly the same regulations, rigorously, as the colonial administration used to do.' Similarly, aid organisations focusing solely on empowering local actors could end up reinforcing the deliberate reframing of regressive, colonial-era values as authentic African traditions. Confusing decolonisation for decoloniality risks legitimising harmful ideologies by allowing them to masquerade as cultural preservation. Recognising the historical roots of these supposed traditions is essential, not just for humanitarian agencies but for societies at large. Without this awareness, we risk enabling movements that use tradition as a weapon to oppress, rather than as a tool to heal and unify. The lesson is clear: to genuinely move forward, we must be willing to constantly reflect on how colonial legacies continue to shape contemporary cultural and social norms and debates. Only then can we build a future rooted in genuine, diverse, and inclusive understandings of African identity. The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera's editorial stance.
Times of Oman
18-05-2025
- Times of Oman
International conference in Oman addresses role of museums in tourism development
Manah: The deliberations of the international conference titled 'Museums and Their Role in Tourism Development" began on Sunday at the Oman Across Ages Museum in the Wilayat of Manah, the A'Dakhiliyah Governorate. The event, held under the patronage of Salem Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, brings together over 42 researchers, academics, and experts from 21 countries. Organised by the Oman Across Ages Museum in collaboration with the National Records and Archives Authority and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the three-day conference seeks to highlight the role of museums and heritage institutions in tourism development and cultural preservation. It also aims to promote museum tourism, cultural economy, and related investment opportunities, explore the educational and knowledge-based role of museums through academic partnerships, and leverage modern digital technologies to enrich visitor experiences. Additionally, the conference facilitates the exchange of expertise at both local and international levels. Dr. Hamad Mohammed Al Dhoyani, Chairman of the National Records and Archives Authority, stated that this international conference coincides with International Museum Day and seeks to foster meaningful partnerships and communication between official and private institutions in Oman's museum sector, alongside international participants from around the world. The discussions will revolve around peer-reviewed research papers, and the event also features a comprehensive exhibition showcasing the role of museum institutions in Oman. He emphasised that organising this conference is a significant step toward future events that highlight collaborative efforts among institutions involved in cultural, scientific, intellectual, and museum-related fields. In his speech, Eng. Yaqdhan Abdullah Al Harthy, Director General of the Oman Across Ages Museum, affirmed that the conference underscores the museum's pivotal role in sustainable development as a mirror of identity and a driving force for cultural tourism. He noted that museums have become a cornerstone of sustainable tourism, presenting history as an interactive experience that engages the senses and intellect, offering visitors opportunities for conscious participation. Museums also serve as a civilizational platform fostering intercultural dialogue, providing authentic knowledge experiences, and supporting the creative economy while diversifying income sources, he said. The opening ceremony featured a keynote speech by Dr. Sharqi Dahmali, President of the Arab Museums Organisation and member of the Advisory Council and Strategic Planning Committee of the International Council of Museums (ICOM). He began by defining museums and their scientific, cultural, and touristic roles for nations, emphasising their services in conveying core messages and fulfilling their social and humanitarian roles, particularly in scientific marketing. He also outlined various methods for presenting museum exhibits and explored ideas connecting Omani and Moroccan museums, given their cultural ties. Dr. Dahmali reviewed ICOM's role in museum development and international cooperation, as well as its efforts in collections management and museum administration. He discussed ICOM's professional and ethical standards for museum activities, its recommendations on cultural heritage issues, and its initiatives to build professional capacities in protecting museums and movable cultural heritage during crises. The conference is accompanied by six specialised workshops focusing on museum work and providing a platform for knowledge and practical interaction among participants. The workshops cover diverse topics such as digital technologies, museum management, community experiences, and cultural content development, bridging theoretical and practical approaches. The event also includes a parallel exhibition featuring participation from various government and private institutions. The conference will address practical themes, with the first session titled 'Museum and Heritage Institutions" exploring the importance of museums and archaeological sites in tourism development, the role of archaeological missions in uncovering civilizational and historical depth, legislative frameworks for museums in safeguarding national heritage, and the role of international organizations in protecting museum and heritage components. It will also discuss development plans for preparing archaeological and museum sites for tourism. The second theme, 'Economy and Museum Tourism," will examine museums' contributions to tourism and economic development, the economic dimensions of tourism growth, financial and human resources in museum tourism, the role of travel agencies in promoting museums, and how museums, historical sites, and cultural institutions contribute to national and individual income. Discussions will also cover sustainable investment in museums, tourism seasons, and museum and archaeological promotion. The third theme focuses on the cultural and educational role of museums, addressing curricula that emphasise museums' importance in education, collaboration between museums and academic institutions, the cultural and touristic role of private museums, and their historical and social value in scientific research. It will also explore museums' role in promoting tourism culture, serving society, and producing educational and intellectual content. The fourth theme will delve into digital technologies and experiences in museum exhibitions, their impact on cultural tourism, and their role in enhancing knowledge and intellectual engagement. It will also address the use of artificial intelligence in museum displays. The conference aims to highlight the role of museums and archaeological sites in boosting tourism, raise public awareness of museums' importance in tourism development, examine the relationship between tourism-related institutions and their role in revitalising museum activity, and strengthen cooperation between Omani, Arab, and international museums. It will also showcase their experiences in promoting Oman's civilizational and cultural aspects, marketing the Sultanate of Oman as a cultural and historical hub in the Arab world, with a focus on archaeological tourism and the significance of modern digital technologies in museum exhibitions and tourism promotion.
South China Morning Post
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
International Museum Day: how China is aiming for cultural superpower status
In a small city in northwest China, visitors to an ancient Buddhist temple can interact with a shimmering princess from a historical ethnic group, thanks to a combination of advanced 3D scanning, artificial intelligence and virtual reality technologies. Advertisement The digital Tangut princess Yun Zhuo in Zhangye, a fifth-tier city in Gansu province, is part of a nationwide push to bring China's ancient history to life and engage new generations through the use of technology. In elaborate Tangut attire that glimmers with digital silk, the princess interacts with visitors via a touch screen at Dafo Temple, home to China's largest indoor reclining Buddha statue, dating back to the Western Xia dynasty of 1038-1227. According to Beijing's official narrative, the short-lived empire which neighboured the Song dynasty was a melting pot of Tibetan, Uygur and Han cultures, and an early example of the integration of China's various ethnic groups, now a central theme of its ethnic policy. The digital princess in China's backwaters is exemplary of the country's strong push for digitalisation of thousands of museums and cultural heritage over the past decade. Advertisement Despite economic challenges from the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, Beijing continues investing in cultural initiatives to preserve history, strengthen national pride, promote technological progress and enhance soft power in hope of building a 'cultural superpower'. This was in contrast to many Western countries like the United States, who are cutting funding for cultural heritage and museums, observers said.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Prince David Kawānanakoa begins Lying in State at ʻIolani Palace
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Prince David Klaren Laʻamea Kaumualiʻi Kawānanakoa's funeral will be held today, May 16, following his death on May 1. The royal protocols preceding his Lying in State will begin at ʻIolani Palace with the prince's arrival at 5 p.m. Army publishes final environmental impact statements for Oʻahu lands Prince David was a direct descendent of Prince David Kawānanakoa and King Kaumualiʻi, who was the final sovereign leader of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau. The prince was widely recognized as a modern symbol of aliʻi leadership and as a committed steward to the people of the islands. He also serves as the Head of the Royal House of Kawānanakoa, where he worked to embrace cultural preservation, genealogy and Hawaiian civic engagement. A public funeral service will occur on May 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Augusting by the Sea Catholic Church at 130 ʻŌhua Ave. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hospitality Net
13-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Accor and World Monuments Fund Unite to Safeguard Four Iconic Heritage Sites from the 2025 World Monuments Watch
Paris - Accor, a global leader in hospitality, and World Monuments Fund (WMF), the leading independent organization devoted to safeguarding the world's most treasured places, today announce new projects at four heritage sites selected from the 2025 World Monuments Watch. The Watch is WMF's biennial program that advocates for heritage places in critical need of protection, galvanizing action and support for their preservation. The four projects spanning France (Chapel of the Sorbonne), Latin America (Qhapaq Ñan), Greece (Serifos Historic Mining Landscape), and India (Historic Water Systems of Bhuj) will receive support provided by Accor, helping to restore and enhance destinations for their long-term sustainable progress and resilience. In September 2024, Accor and WMF formalized a pioneering three-year partnership seeking to shape and maximize the benefits of tourism to cultural heritage places. Bringing together their complementary expertise and global reach, the partnership aims to set new standards for how the tourism industry can play a part protecting cultural destinations from overuse, promoting visitation to lesser-known heritage places, and strengthening the role of heritage in local community well-being. In this context, Accor has committed to supporting multi-faceted projects focused on preserving and enhancing diverse built heritage, offering meaningful benefits to communities, and building long-term local resilience. The World Monuments Watch, launched in 1996, is a biennial program dedicated to discovering, spotlighting, and taking action on behalf of global heritage sites. Every two years, WMF identifies 25 sites facing significant challenges, such as climate change, tourism, and conflict, and are in need of vital support. To date, WMF has contributed over $120 million to nearly 350 Watch sites, while the visibility of the Watch has helped inspire an additional $310 million in public and private support. As part of this year's Watch, Accor will collaborate with WMF at four significant sites, located in different regions of the world. Chapel of the Sorbonne, Paris, France Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System,Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru Serifos Historic Mining Landscape, Greece Historic Water Systems of Bhuj, India Together, Accor and WMF will help develop and implement innovative strategies for distributing tourism to lesser-known destinations, enriching the visitor experience, and capturing local benefit from the tourism industry. Local communities will gain the skills and knowledge needed to protect these sites while also reaping the benefits that result from expanded sustainable tourism. Each project was also assessed based on its alignment with Accor's goals for global development, climate change adaptation, and sustainable tourism development. Cultural heritage is at the center of the tourism industry and a major part of why people fall in love with travel. The industry has a deep responsibility to protect, conserve and treasure important sites. Our partnership with WMF is a testament to our dedication as we continue to pioneer responsible hospitality and connect cultures with heartfelt care. Across these four projects we hope to inspire a new approach to protecting cultural heritage and I look forward to witnessing their progress and success. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO Accor Supporting communities in the stewardship of their cultural heritage has long been central to our work. By supporting projects that create new economic opportunities, improve site management, and elevate local storytelling, this partnership makes it possible to protect cherished places while delivering a unique visitor experience. Accor's commitment to this effort demonstrates how the hospitality industry can play a meaningful role in shaping a more inclusive and responsible future for cultural heritage. Bénédicte de Montlaur, CEO of the World Monuments Fund The four Watch projects Accor has selected to collaborate with WMF on are as follows: The Chapel of the Sorbonne – France As an iconic French heritage site located in Paris, a major destination for Accor, the Chapel of the Sorbonne resonates strongly with the Group's identity and roots in French hospitality. Located in the city's Latin Quarter, it is a masterpiece of classical architecture and key part of Sorbonne University's rich heritage. Currently closed to the public, the chapel suffers from severe deterioration, requiring extensive restoration work to preserve its structure and artistic heritage. Together with the City of Paris and the Chancellery of the Sorbonne, WMF and Accor aim to reopen the chapel, transforming it into a vibrant destination for students and Parisians. The project will help foster collaboration among the city, students, and stakeholders to revitalize this historic site, enhancing its accessibility and ensuring its legacy for future generations. The focus is not only on restoring the building, but on supporting its return as a place of learning and engagement for the broader community, reinforcing the importance of heritage in shaping local identity. Qhapaq Ñan, the Andean Road Network – Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru Qhapaq Ñan, the Andean Road Network, is a remarkable system of trails that connects Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It was built over centuries and consolidated as a network during the Inca period to facilitate transport, communication, and cultural exchanges across diverse Andean cultures. Today, despite its UNESCO World Heritage status, Qhapaq Ñan faces ongoing threats, including erosion, vandalism, and unregulated development. WMF and Accor aim to catalyze transnational cooperation to strengthen local and regional site management, encourage thoughtful approaches to tourism, and support the communities whose heritage and daily lives are closely ties to this historic network. Accor's support reflects its longstanding presence in Latin America and its commitment to responsible hospitality. The significant sustainable tourism and climate change risk mitigation angles embedded in this project align strongly with Accor's focus and expertise. Sustainable management and preservation of the Andean Road Network promises to bring measurable economic benefits to the local communities across six Latin American countries, positioning this a strong example of how the protection and enhancement of these sites can bring diverse benefits for society. Serifos Historic Mining Landscape – Greece The Historic Mining Landscape of Serifos, a captivating island in the Cyclades, represents one of Greece's most significant industrial heritage sites. From the 1870s to 1965, this unspoiled island of dramatic landscapes and beautiful beaches was a leading mining center with rich iron ore deposits. The site includes the iconic Mega Livadi loading bridge, administration buildings, mining tunnels, and other remains of the industry, now threatened by years of neglect and lack of legal recognition. The WMF and Accor partnership will support critical technical preparation and stakeholder engagement to advance conversation planning and explore sustainable visitor experiences for this endangered industrial landscape. The project exemplifies how thoughtful heritage management can revitalize lesser-known destinations while protecting their authentic character and cultural significance. Historic Water Systems of Bhuj – India At the heart of Bhuj in western India, Lake Hamirsar symbolizes the city's enduring relationship with water. Built in the 16th century, this artificial reservoir and its complex network of stepwells, reservoirs, and canals have sustained the growth of Bhuj despite harsh climate conditions. Today, many of these systems are underused or in disrepair, even as the region faces growing water insecurity linked to climate change and rapid urban development. Together with the CEPT Research and Development Foundation (CRDF), WMF and Accor will help revitalize the city's historic hydrologic systems by integrating traditional knowledge into current water management strategies. As part of this project, Accor will lend its expertise to support sustainable development in what is a region undergoing significant growth and change. By reconnecting the city's historic systems with its present-day needs, the project will improve local water resilience while restoring the local community's cultural relationship with water. About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. Line Crieloue Group external communications - Executive Director - Corporate +33 1 45 38 18 11 Accor View source
