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On October 14, 2024, UNESCO brought together key stakeholders for an initial consultation to discuss a unified approach to safeguarding the Arab region’s documentary heritage. 42 representatives from National Archives, National Libraries, National Museums, and Memory of the World Committees across the Middle East and North Africa participated in this consultation, marking the first of a series of collaborative efforts aimed at creating a regional coordination mechanism to protect the region’s rich documentary heritage. 

The discussions focused on the urgent need to preserve the Arab region’s documentary heritage, which faces threats such as neglect, natural decay, technological obsolescence, and even deliberate destruction. In his opening remarks, Mr. Salah Khaled, representative of UNESCO to the Gulf countries and Yemen, emphasized that "The protection and preservation of documentary heritage is important not only as a testimony of the past, it also contributes to the preservation of a people’s identity, it explains the present and create bridges for future generations. It creates bridges through time, linking past, present and future, but also through places, showing exchanges and movements through countries, regions and continents. It participates in an effort towards intercultural dialogue, respect and understanding.”

Attendees were also introduced to the Memory of the World Programme and its International Registry, which safeguards documentary heritage globally by raising awareness and facilitating preservation efforts. Participants shared first-hand examples from the region, emphasizing the importance of direct action in preserving documentary heritage and highlighting the critical role of setting proactive measures to safeguard the region's documentary heritage legacy. 

Held as an initial discussion, this consultation sets the groundwork for future action. Participants agreed that establishing a regional Memory of the World Committee would create an essential mechanism for coordinating efforts to preserve, promote, and represent the region’s documentary heritage on both regional and international stages. This consultation forms part of the preparation for the regional conference planned for early 2025. The conference will bring together experts and representatives from the region to further discuss strategies, share best practices, and finalize the establishment of the regional Memory of the World Committee for the Arab region.

“A regional committee allows for more targeted support and creative solutions to protect and promote documentary heritage in the Arab region” said Dr. Ming-Kuok Lim, Advisor for Communication and Information, UNESCO Office for the Maghreb.