Sharjah Ruler Signs $6 Million Agreement For Digitisation Of UNESCO Global Archive
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended the signing of a significant agreement to digitise UNESCO’s global archive. This initiative is supported by a US$6 million grant from the Sharjah Book Authority. The event took place at UNESCO's headquarters in Paris, with notable attendees including H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi and Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO.
The project aims to preserve global heritage by digitising books, manuscripts, audio recordings, documentaries, and other archival materials over five years. This effort is based on directives from the Ruler of Sharjah and seeks to protect important documents while ensuring digital accessibility for future generations.
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), signed the agreement alongside Jennifer Linkins, Assistant Director-General for Administration and Management at UNESCO. The project highlights Sharjah's dedication to safeguarding human heritage and emphasises knowledge as crucial for sustainable development.
During his visit to UNESCO, His Highness toured the library and archive, examining significant collections such as global documents and manuscripts. He learned about the library's role in supporting UNESCO’s mission through its cultural resources and enhancing the organisation's objectives.
The UNESCO archive is one of the largest institutional archives globally, containing nearly 80 years of historical records. It includes over 2.5 million pages of documents, 165,000 rare photographs, and thousands of hours of audio and video recordings that capture pivotal moments in cultural and educational history.
Currently, only 5 percent of this vast archive has been digitised due to limited resources and logistical challenges. This underscores the urgent need for assistance to expedite comprehensive digital transformation efforts to protect this invaluable global resource.
Sharjah's Commitment to Knowledge
Approximately 95 percent of the archive remains undigitised. Sharjah’s initiative is a significant step towards converting this legacy into accessible digital content for researchers worldwide. Sheikha Bodour stated that this grant reflects Sharjah’s commitment to preserving human heritage and protecting world memory.
Sheikha Bodour also remarked on Sharjah's belief in fair access to knowledge and protecting human memory as vital for fostering creativity and progress. She highlighted that this initiative opens new avenues for international collaboration aimed at building a future that respects past lessons.
A Global Hub for Cultural Preservation
This agreement showcases Sharjah’s leadership under His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi in promoting knowledge initiatives. It reinforces Sharjah's position as a global hub for cultural preservation, heritage protection, and promoting Arab representation in international intellectual organisations.
The importance of digitising aging historical documents was evident during His Highness's visit when he viewed several deteriorating items. This emphasised the necessity of the digitisation agreement in safeguarding UNESCO’s cultural holdings for future generations.
With inputs from WAM
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