ZAMBIAN WOMAN RE-ELECTED TO TOP INTERNATIONAL HERITAGE POSITION
Zambian heritage conservation expert Chilangwa Chaiwa has been re-elected Vice-President of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), representing the African region.
Chaiwa, who works for Zambia’s National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC), secured another term during the 22nd ICOMOS General Assembly held in Kuching, Malaysia.
She will serve alongside four other Vice-Presidents from Malaysia, Jordan, Norway and Australia, under the leadership of newly elected ICOMOS President Grainne Shaffrey of Ireland.
Her re-election places Zambia at the forefront of international efforts to preserve historical monuments, archaeological sites and cultural heritage.
Speaking following her re-election, Chaiwa pledged to strengthen Africa’s voice in global heritage conservation and promote the protection of the continent’s cultural treasures.
NHCC Executive Director Kagosi Mwamulowe described the achievement as a proud moment for Zambia, saying it demonstrates the ability of Zambian professionals to influence decisions at the highest international level.
Mwamulowe, who is also the immediate past President of ICOMOS-Zambia, said Chaiwa’s achievement was particularly significant as the country celebrated its 62nd Independence anniversary.
He described her re-election as a special Independence Day gift to Zambia and the Commission, adding that her success should inspire other professionals, particularly women, to pursue leadership positions through discipline, determination and resilience.
The Commission says Chaiwa’s international position will help Zambia strengthen partnerships, attract conservation expertise and promote its historical and cultural sites to the world.
ICOMOS is an international organisation that advises UNESCO on cultural heritage conservation, including the protection of World Heritage Sites.
NHCC believes Chaiwa’s continued leadership will also strengthen Africa’s representation in decisions affecting cultural preservation, traditional knowledge and sustainable tourism development.