H.E. Prof. Peter K. Ngure, Kenya’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, delivered opening remarks at the conference “Generative Traditions: Living Heritage and Artificial Intelligence – New Horizons: Exploring Cultural Possibilities,” held on 11 September 2026 in Athens, Greece.
In his remarks, Prof. Ngure presented an African perspective on the opportunities and responsibilities arising from the growing intersection between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and living cultural heritage.
At the centre of his message was the importance of ensuring that communities remain the primary custodians of their heritage. He emphasised that communities should play a leading role in determining how their traditions are defined, documented, transmitted, conserved and used, while also receiving an equitable share of the social and economic benefits generated from their cultural heritage.
As Artificial Intelligence increasingly becomes a tool for documenting, preserving and transmitting culture, Prof. Ngure stressed the importance of Africa developing its own capacity rather than simply consuming technologies developed elsewhere.
He called for greater investment in capacity-building, stronger partnerships with communities, and the ethical, inclusive and sustainable application of AI in safeguarding Africa’s living heritage.
Prof. Ngure also introduced the concept of “Africa Intelligence” — AI, describing it as the accumulated knowledge, creativity, languages, traditions and wisdom of African peoples.
“The future of heritage must combine technological innovation with human agency, ensuring that technology serves communities rather than displacing their voices.”
The conference was officially opened by H.E. Dr Lina Mendoni, Minister of Culture of the Hellenic Republic, and included an address by the Director-General of UNESCO.
Prof. Ngure also acknowledged H.E. Giorgos Koumoutsakos, Permanent Delegate of Greece to UNESCO, for hosting and convening the conference, which brought together stakeholders to examine emerging opportunities and challenges at the intersection of technology and cultural heritage.
Concluding his message, Prof. Ngure underscored the importance of ensuring that Africa participates not only in the use of emerging technologies but also in shaping how they interact with culture and heritage:
“Artificial Intelligence can help safeguard living heritage — but Africa Intelligence must help shape its future.”
Kenya’s participation in the conference reflects its continued engagement within UNESCO on the protection of living heritage and on emerging discussions surrounding the ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in culture.
