On 26 and 27 April 2021, UNESCO, together with partners, is convening an African regional conference to mark the 50th anniversary of the UNESCO 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. The two-day on-line event will focus on the tools and best practices to fight against illicit trafficking in cultural property and to support the return and restitution of cultural property, which particularly affect the Africa Region.

Challenges concerning trafficking in cultural property are numerous, including large-scale looting exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the protection of archaeological sites in conflict zones, and rising illegal online sales.

This international conference will mobilize representatives of: Ministries for Culture and other relevant ministries from the Africa region; African Union Commission; African Regional Economic Communities; UNESCO Partners such as: the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT), African Heritage School (EPA), , International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), International Council of Museums ICOM, the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), World Customs Organization (WCO); museum professionals, researchers and academics; police, customs and border patrol agents; UNESCO National Commissions and Permanent Delegations; as well as community representatives and the general public to address these issues.