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On 16 December 2024, UNESCO organized the second regional consultation under the theme “Memory in Heritage: Fostering Cooperation on Documentary Heritage in the Arab Region.” The online session brought together 38 key stakeholders from across the region to deliberate on the draft statutes for the creation of the Memory of the World Committee for the Arab Region (MoWCAR). This initiative is part of UNESCO’s broader effort to enhance the preservation, promotion, and coordination of documentary heritage in the Arab region.  

This second consultation follows the first one held in October, which introduced stakeholders to the Memory of the World Programme and the structure and functioning of regional committees. During the initial meeting, the draft statutes for the MoWCAR were shared, and these documents were circulated through national commissions for review and feedback from key stakeholders in the region. 

Building on this, the second consultation served as a platform to present the revised and consolidated Terms of Reference and statutes for MoWCAR. These updated documents outline the operational framework, structure and governance, needed to formally establish the committee and define its role in preserving and promoting the region’s rich documentary heritage. 

In his presentation, Mr. Ming Kuok Lim, Advisor for Communication and Information at UNESCO Office for the Maghreb based in Rabat, highlighted the importance of inclusivity, transparency, and regional representation in ensuring the committee’s effectiveness and long-term impact. He explained that "the MoWCAR could be a powerful mechanism to strengthen the safeguarding of documentary heritage in the Arab region especially through the UNESCO Memory of the World programme."

The session concluded with an open discussion that allowed participants to deliberate on the key aspects of MoWCAR’s formation, ensuring that it will effectively address the region’s needs while adhering to international standards. The outcome of this consultation will directly inform the finalization of the next steps for the committee’s establishment, forming a solid foundation for its formal launch in the coming months and setting the stage for long-term success.

This consultation is part of a series of preparatory activities leading up to a regional conference scheduled for early 2025 in Doha. The upcoming conference will further solidify plans for MoWCAR and strengthen regional partnerships to ensure the safeguarding of documentary heritage for future generations.