Youth engagement is critical to the future of heritage preservation in Barbados and across Africa, cultural leaders said on Thursday, as they called for greater involvement, innovation and stewardship among younger generations.

The call came during the Office of Pan-African Affairs and Heritage’s annual Heritage Month youth webinar on Thursday, which brought together young people from both regions to discuss the importance of safeguarding cultural traditions, historical sites and shared identities.

Coordinator for Heritage Month in the Office of Pan-African Affairs and Heritage, Dr Sheron Johnson, said the annual event was designed to ensure young people have a voice in heritage preservation discussions.