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UNESCO African week in Paris

Thursday, 25 May 2006

UNESCO African week in Paris

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) has organized a week of African culture in Paris from 22nd to 31st May and entitled "The cultural heritage of Africa, motor of the renaissance".

The event will bring together Pierre Kipré, the Ivory Coast's former Minister of National Education, Doudou Diène, United Nations special envoy on racism, and Elisabeth Wangari, head of the African department of the World Heritage Centre.

The week will start with an art exhibition and African crafts at the Salle des Pas perdus, which will be open until the 31st May. African films will be screened in Salle II on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th May.

Debates and conferences will take place on the 23rd May in Salle II (from 2-5pm). Senegalese Doudou Diène will address the issue of slavery, Pierre Kipré will speak about oral traditions and Elisabeth Wangari will focus on heritage and development.

A cultural and artistic party in Salle I on the 24th May (from 8-11pm), will include a fashion show and a concert, preceded by a tasting of typical African dishes in the Japanese Garden (6-8pm).

The week coincides with the International African Day is celebrated on 25th May.

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