Colón, January 30, 2026 - The Colón Center for Art and Culture was the stage of the Afro-descendant Cultural Heritage Panel, a space for regional dialogue that brought together specialists, cultural managers and representatives of Caribbean countries to reflect on the preservation of heritage, policies of inclusion and the human rights approach to culture.

During the panel it was emphasized that Afro-descendant cultural heritage is a legacy that is passed on from generation to generation, sustained by its bearers and old connoisseurs.

Krishna Camarena Surgeon, a specialist in Afro-descendants policies, emphasized the importance of creative devices as tools for strengthening and visualizing those who safeguard these knowledge and the need to have the support of the state, local governments and the active participation of communities.

Jembell Chifundo, an artist, Cultural Manager and a human rights specialist emphasized that the human rights approach to culture means that we leave nobody behind, promoting inclusive spaces where women, persons with disabilities and historically excluded communities have a voice and participation. "Without participation, culture becomes a show and with participation, we strengthen their identities," she said.
The Panel also addressed challenges facing the region with regard to documentation, registration and valuation of expressions of African descent.

Enrique López Hurtado, specialist in culture and Chargé d'affaires at the UNESCO Regional Office for Central America, Mexico and Colombia emphasized the need to strengthen models of technical and training cooperation among Caribbean countries and to promote the exchange of knowledge, success and training.

Owan Lay, Director General of the Regional Centre for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Latin America (CRESPIAL) emphasized the importance of developing cultural policies that break with hegemonic discourse and recognize communities of African descent as leading and knowing their own history.

The panel was composed by Abel Aronategui, Krishna Camarena, Enrique López Hurtado and Jembell Chifundo and had an open space for public questions and comments, enriching the exchange and collective construction of proposals.

At the closure, cultural authorities highlighted the pride of Colón as host of this regional meeting.

"Today the dignity of the people of colonics rises as we receive the Greater Caribbean. We have a historic debt with our roots and our commitment to rescue, appreciate and share our cultural identity as an engine for human, social and economic development," expressed the Minister of Culture, María Eugenia Herrera.