Sierra Leone is becoming the 185th State to join the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, having deposited its instrument of ratification with UNESCO on June 19, 2025.

Prior to this move, Sierra Leone participated in a subregional workshop to share experiences and good practices in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage organized by the UNESCO’s Multisectoral Regional Office for West Africa in Dakar, with the support of the National Office in Abuja, last September 2024.

Sierra Leone will soon and officially be part of a worldwide network dedicated to supporting communities in safeguarding their living heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.

This milestone further strengthens the Living Heritage network, advancing UNESCO’s Global Priorities and brings the 2003 Convention closer to universal reach.

UNESCO welcomes Sierra Leone and looks forward to supporting its safeguarding efforts at the national level.