Lalibela at the Heart of Cultural Diplomacy and World Heritage Conservation

More than 70 ambassadors, United Nations representatives and development partners from over 40 embassies and organizations visited Ethiopia’s iconic Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, reaffirming a shared commitment to protecting cultural heritage, strengthening international cooperation and ensuring that World Heritage contributes to sustainable development and local communities.

Organized by the UNESCO Addis Ababa Liaison Office in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, the Ethiopian Heritage Authority, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the Amhara Regional Government, the Lalibela City Administration and the Sustainable Lalibela Project supported by the Government of France, the two-day visit provided an opportunity for diplomatic and development partners to engage directly with one of Ethiopia’s most important cultural and spiritual heritage sites.

Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978, the 11 rock-hewn churches of Lalibela represent an exceptional achievement of medieval architecture and remain a living centre of worship, pilgrimage and cultural expression. The visit highlighted the importance of safeguarding not only the physical structures, but also the communities, traditions and cultural practices that sustain Lalibela as a living heritage site.

Strengthening resilience through partnerships

The visit provided an opportunity for participants to better understand the opportunities and challenges involved in conserving and sustainably managing Lalibela. It also highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships between government institutions, heritage custodians, local communities, development partners and international organizations.

UNESCO has worked closely with the Government of Ethiopia and partners for decades to support the conservation, protection and sustainable management of Lalibela. Through technical cooperation, capacity development and international partnerships, UNESCO contributes to safeguarding the site's Outstanding Universal Value while supporting efforts to ensure that heritage conservation contributes to local development and livelihoods.

The engagement also showcased ongoing initiatives supporting Lalibela’s recovery and revitalization following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges affecting tourism and local livelihoods. These efforts demonstrate how investment in cultural heritage can contribute to resilience, sustainable tourism, local economic opportunities and the long-term wellbeing of communities.

Culture as a platform for cooperation and peace

The visit further demonstrated the role of cultural heritage as a platform for dialogue, mutual understanding and international cooperation. Bringing together diplomatic representatives, UN organizations, development partners, government institutions, religious custodians and local stakeholders created space for dialogue around a shared responsibility: protecting heritage for present and future generations.

By connecting international partners with local communities and heritage custodians, the visit reinforced the importance of inclusive and collaborative approaches to heritage governance and conservation.

The engagement reaffirmed that safeguarding World Heritage is not solely a conservation responsibility. It requires sustained partnerships, collective action and dialogue among diverse stakeholders, while ensuring that the cultural, social and economic benefits of heritage reach the communities who are its custodians.

Looking ahead

The Lalibela visit reaffirmed a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation around the protection and sustainable management of Ethiopia’s cultural heritage. It also highlighted the potential of heritage to contribute to resilience, sustainable development, cultural diplomacy and peaceful cooperation.

Through continued collaboration with the Government of Ethiopia, local communities and national and international partners, UNESCO remains committed to supporting efforts to safeguard Lalibela’s Outstanding Universal Value and ensure that its cultural, spiritual and economic significance continues to benefit generations to come.