Doha, January 12 (QNA) – Qatar National Archives signs a partnership agreement with UNESCO to host a regional conference on “Memory in Heritage: Supporting the Preservation of Documentary Heritage in the Arab Region” did. The event, scheduled for January 21-22 in Doha, will bring together experts, national libraries, museums, archives, and representatives from regional and international organizations.
The conference aims to strengthen regional cooperation by developing innovative mechanisms to protect and preserve documentary heritage. Key areas of focus include addressing major challenges such as climate change and regional conflicts. Furthermore, it aims to increase the representation of Arabs in international forums by promoting a unified approach and a common strategic vision.
Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Al Buainain, Director-General of Qatar National Archives, said that hosting this conference in partnership with UNESCO demonstrates Qatar’s commitment to supporting global and regional efforts in the preservation of documentary heritage. He emphasized that it was a thing.
He said the Qatar National Archives will build strategic partnerships with experts and institutions to protect and digitize this heritage, ensure its sustainability and highlight its value as a basis for cultural and regional development. It added that it aims to provide a cooperation platform for the
He pointed out that UNESCO’s Memory of the World Program provides an important framework for supporting agencies in the protection of documentary heritage, and that this partnership strengthens regional cooperation, develops sustainable policies and supports this cultural heritage. It added that it provides an opportunity to strengthen the role of regional institutions in the conservation of .
His Excellency Zaki Khaled, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Representative for the Gulf States and Yemen and Director of the UNESCO Office in Doha Salah el-Din, said: He emphasized the importance of preserving documentary heritage. , understanding the present and building bridges to future generations. He emphasized the role this heritage plays in fostering dialogue, fostering respect and demonstrating the rich exchange of knowledge and culture across regions and continents.
He also praised the efforts of the Arab region to protect its heritage and emphasized the need to increase the Arab region’s presence in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, which currently accounts for only 4% of the world’s Memory of the World. To address this gap, UNESCO has created a regional committee to document heritage, improve cooperation between countries, build capacity and raise awareness about the importance of preserving this unique cultural resource. I proposed the establishment of an association.
His Excellency said that the creation of a regional register would highlight the Arab world’s significant contributions to science, culture and education and strengthen its international standing. He stressed that the success of this initiative depends on joint efforts and cooperation between countries, pointing out that the Arab tradition is a source of global pride and inspiration.
The conference will cover a variety of topics, including the impact of climate change on documentary heritage and case studies of countries affected by natural disasters, such as Libya, Mauritania and Morocco. Discussions will also explore the role of private libraries and family archives in preserving historical documents and the challenges they face. Additionally, the proposal to establish a regional World Memory Commission with the aim of increasing the representation of Arabs in international heritage platforms will be an important topic of discussion.
Launched in 1992, UNESCO’s Memory of the World Program is an international initiative to help national and regional institutions develop policies and effectively manage documentary heritage. Through this conference, Qatar National Archives and UNESCO aim to present a forward-looking vision that ensures the sustainable preservation of cultural heritage, while uniting efforts to address common challenges.
The conference marks an important step in promoting regional cooperation that will ensure that the Arab documentary heritage is preserved for future generations as an important element of the region’s cultural identity and shared human history. It shows. (QNA)
