Sharjah's $6 Million Commitment to UNESCO Digital Archive Initiative

Sharjah's Groundbreaking $6 Million Agreement with UNESCO

The Ruler of Sharjah, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, has taken a monumental step towards preserving global heritage by signing a significant agreement to digitise UNESCO's invaluable global archive. This initiative, which is backed by a generous $6 million grant from the Sharjah Book Authority, marks a pivotal moment in enhancing access to important documents while ensuring their protection for future generations.

Details of the Agreement

The agreement was officially signed by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, and Jennifer Linkins, the Assistant Director-General for Administration and Management at UNESCO. The project aims to digitise a diverse range of materials including books, manuscripts, audio recordings, documentaries, and various archival resources. This initiative is expected to span five years, fostering a significant cultural collaboration aimed at safeguarding global heritage.

Tour of UNESCO Library and Archives

In a vital highlight of this agreement, His Highness took the opportunity to tour the UNESCO Library and Archive, where he closely examined notable collections of global significance. The tour allowed him to appreciate the essential role of this library in supporting UNESCO's mission and preserving cultural heritage across the globe.

Highlighting the Importance of Preservation

During his visit, His Highness viewed numerous aging historical documents that have suffered from deteriorating conditions over time, underscoring the urgency of the digitisation project. This reinforces the importance of timely action to protect invaluable historical records that hold cultural significance.

A Comprehensive Institutional Archive

The UNESCO archive, renowned as one of the largest institutional archives worldwide, houses an impressive array of almost 80 years of historical records. With more than 2.5 million pages of documents, 165,000 rare photographs, and extensive audio and video recordings, this archive captures crucial events and milestones in global history, education, and culture.

Digitisation Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the archive's extensive resources, only 5% has been digitised, which highlights the urgent need for comprehensive digital transformation. Various logistical and technical barriers have hindered this process, demonstrating a crucial need for external support to ensure the archive's accessibility for researchers and cultural institutions.

Sharjah's Strategic Initiative Towards Global Accessibility

The overwhelming majority, approximately 95%, of the UNESCO archive remains undigitised, positioning Sharjah's initiative as a significant step towards converting this global legacy into tangible, accessible digital content. This initiative will greatly benefit researchers, academic institutions, and cultural communities worldwide.

Commitment to Heritage Preservation

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi expressed that this grant reaffirms Sharjah's dedication to preserving human heritage and safeguarding the collective memory of the world. She emphasized that knowledge is a cornerstone of sustainable human development, further stating that the UNESCO archive represents a critical centre for preserving intellectual, educational, and cultural legacies.

Encouraging Knowledge Access and Cultural Leadership

The initiative illustrates Sharjah's commitment to promoting fair access to knowledge while protecting the essence of human memory. By launching this project, Sharjah is paving new avenues for international cooperation aimed at fostering creativity, historical reflection, and progress.

Ongoing Role in Global Cultural Preservation

This agreement not only highlights Sharjah's ongoing leadership under the Ruler’s vision but also strengthens the emirate's reputation as an international hub for cultural preservation and the Arab representation in global intellectual and scientific initiatives. Sharjah continues to prove its devotion to humanitarian causes and cultural initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the recent agreement signed by Sharjah's Ruler?

The purpose of the agreement is to digitise UNESCO's global archive to preserve important documents and enhance their accessibility.

How much funding has been allocated for this digitisation project?

A total of $6 million has been allocated for the digitisation project by the Sharjah Book Authority.

What types of materials will be digitised under this initiative?

The project will digitise books, manuscripts, audio recordings, documentaries, and various archival materials.

What percentage of the UNESCO archive has been digitised so far?

Currently, only about 5% of the UNESCO archive has been digitised.

How long will the digitisation project take?

The project is expected to span five years, aiming for comprehensive access to the archive's resources.

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