Kiri

To the Permanent Delegates and Observers to UNESCO

29 April 2024

The Assistant Director-General For Priority Africa and External relations Ref.: CLT/CEM/MHM/23/11424

Subject: Selection of cultural property for exhibition in the Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects

Sir/Madam, As announced at the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development (MONDIACULT) in September 2022, UNESCO is currently developing a virtual museum dedicated to stolen cultural objects. The primary aim of this initiative is to raise awareness about the illicit trafficking of cultural property and the importance of protecting cultural heritage among the general public, notably the youth. The Virtual Museum is anticipated to be a significant milestone in our efforts to prioritize the issue of illicit trafficking of cultural property at the international level. As emphasized during the information session held on 3 October 2023, during which the concept of the museum was presented by Mr. Francis Kéré, laureate of the Pritzker Architecture Prize 2022, the selection of exhibited items within the Virtual Museum will be a collaborative effort involving UNESCO’s Member States. In this regard, I kindly seek your cooperation in identifying 4 to 10 items recorded as stolen and whose disappearance and theft constitute an appreciable impoverishment of your national cultural heritage, as a submission for inclusion in the Virtual Museum. Enclosed in this letter, you will find the criteria for items to be duly considered for the selection of the initial 600 objects to be featured in the Virtual Museum, set to be launched in 2025, as well as additional information on the project. I look forward to your active participation in this important endeavor and kindly invite you to transmit your proposals to the Secretariat of the 1970 Convention by 28 June 2024. The team of the Secretariat of the 1970 Convention ([email protected]) is at your disposal to provide you with any additional information you may require. Please accept, Sir/Madam, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Anthony Ohemeng-Boamah