In a remarkable stride toward the preservation of global heritage, His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, recently attended the signing of a significant agreement at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. The accord, underpinned by a generous grant of million from the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), aims to digitize the extensive and invaluable archives holding a treasure trove of global cultural and educational history.
The signing event, which took place on a notable Wednesday, brought together prominent figures, including Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, and Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO. The agreement was officially endorsed by Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who serves as the Chairperson of the SBA, and Jennifer Linkins, Assistant Director-General for Administration and Management at UNESCO.
The project emanates from deeply rooted directives established by Sheikh Sultan, emphasizing the urgency to preserve essential documents and enhance digital accessibility across various forms of historic content. Over the next five years, a concerted effort will be made to digitize critical resources including books, manuscripts, documentaries, and audio recordings, thereby safeguarding them against the perils of time and decay.
During the visit, Sheikh Sultan undertook a comprehensive tour of the UNESCO Library and Archive, which is renowned for its extensive collections comprising invaluable documents, books, and manuscripts. He was briefed on the library’s instrumental role in bolstering UNESCO’s missions and how these vital cultural resources contribute to ongoing global heritage initiatives.
The significance of this agreement was poignantly highlighted when Sheikh Sultan encountered various aging historical documents facing severe threats due to deteriorating conditions. This experience underscored the pressing need for digitization efforts, which will not only preserve these artifacts but also enhance their accessibility to scholars, educators, and enthusiasts around the world. Currently, it is estimated that only 5 percent of the UNESCO archive has been digitized. This limited progress is starkly contrasted by the archive’s vast treasure trove, which boasts nearly 80 years of historical records, encompassing 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 global history.
The enormity of the collection attests to the pressing necessity for comprehensive digital transformation, as approximately 95 percent of the archive remains undigitized. The logistical and technical challenges associated with digitization, compounded by budgetary constraints, reinforce the importance of Sharjah’s timely intervention, which symbolizes a progressive step toward making this global legacy accessible to research institutions, cultural communities, and future generations.
In her remarks following the agreement, Sheikha Bodour emphasized the profound commitment of Sharjah to preserving human heritage and underscored the critical role that knowledge plays in sustainable human development. She stated, “This grant exemplifies Sharjah’s commitment to preserving human heritage and protecting the world’s memory, highlighting knowledge as a fundamental element of sustainable human development.” She further articulated the belief that access to knowledge should be universal and equitable, reinforcing Sharjah’s vision of a future where creativity blossoms from an understanding of the past.
Beyond the practical implications of digitization, this initiative symbolizes Sharjah’s enduring leadership in fostering knowledge and humanitarian endeavors. It reinforces the emirate’s status as a pivotal global hub for cultural preservation and heritage protection. With Sheikh Sultan at the helm, Sharjah continues to advocate for Arab representation in international intellectual and scientific organizations, ensuring that the region’s rich history and contributions to global culture are duly honored and preserved.
In conclusion, this agreement marks a significant chapter in the ongoing story of cultural preservation. The collaboration between Sharjah and UNESCO not only aims to protect irreplaceable records of our shared history but also sets a precedent for future international partnerships aimed at safeguarding the collective memory of humanity. As digital transformation unfolds, it promises to usher in a new era of accessibility and understanding, empowering future generations to draw inspiration from their historical roots.
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