The UNESCO Institute for African Culture and International Understanding (IACIU) has urged Nigeria to explore opportunities in technology to preserve cultural heritage and promote global understanding.
The institute stressed the need for Nigerian leaders to reflect on how digital advancements cannot only preserve cultural heritage but also foster cultural exchange.
Director of IACIU, Emeritus Professor Peter Okebukola, who gave the advice at a workshop held in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Monday, stressed the importance of leveraging digital platforms to safeguard cultural traditions.
In our fast-changing, globalized world, technology has become a vital part of our everyday lives—connecting us, informing us, and, most importantly, enabling us to reach across geographical boundaries.
The workshop, with the theme “Exploring Cultural Significance: Using Technology as a Tool for Cultural Exchange” aimed to equip participants with the skills to effectively utilise technology for cultural preservation and exchange.
Okebukola noted that by embracing digital innovation, IACIU seeks to create a vibrant global cultural landscape that values diversity and promotes international cooperation.
He said: “Technology enables us to share our cultural stories, traditions, and histories with a global audience, fostering unity and cross-cultural understanding.
“The future of our cultural heritage depends on our ability to adapt and innovate – we must seize this technological moment.
“As we look at the intersection of technology and culture, we recognize that culture is not static—it evolves, grows, and adapts.
“With new digital platforms, immersive experiences like virtual and augmented reality, and the power of social media, we now have the tools to preserve traditions, celebrate diversity, and connect cultures from every corner of the globe.”
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