Sharjah's Ruler Signs Multimillion-Dollar Contract for UNESCO Archive Digitization

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, a member of the UAE's Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has taken a monumental step in cultural preservation by endorsing a $6 million agreement intended to digitize the UNESCO global archive. The signing ceremony took place at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris and was attended by important dignitaries, including his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, and UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

The Signing Ceremony



The formal agreement was inked by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who heads the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), alongside Jennifer Linkins, Deputy Director-General of Management and Administration at UNESCO. This initiative is rooted in the vision of Sharjah’s Ruler and aims to safeguard vital documents, enhance accessibility to historical materials, and ensure the preservation of global heritage. Set to unfold over the next five years, this comprehensive project encompasses the digitization of books, manuscripts, audio recordings, films, and various archive materials.

A Commitment to Cultural Heritage



During the visit to the UNESCO library and archive, His Highness was shown significant collections, which included crucial documents and literary works that depict the world’s cultural and educational journey. An alarming discovery was made: many historical documents are deteriorating due to their fragile condition, emphasizing the urgency of this digitization agreement.

The UNESCO archive itself is one of the most extensive institutional repositories globally, encompassing nearly 80 years of historical records. It houses upwards of 2.5 million pages of documents, 165,000 rare photographs, and thousands of hours of audio and video recordings. This archive is essential in capturing pivotal moments in the global cultural and educational landscape.

The Need for Digitization



As it stands, a mere 5% of the UNESCO archives have been digitized. This stark reality highlights the immense potential that lies within these archives, revealing how limited resources and various logistical challenges have hampered broader digital access. This calls for urgent action to accelerate digital transformation and secure preservation efforts for future generations.

Sharjah's Strategic Initiative



The significant fact that around 95% of the archive remains non-digitized makes Sharjah’s initiative critically vital. By converting this global heritage into digital formats, the project will make invaluable resources available to researchers, educational institutions, and cultural communities worldwide.

A Vision for Humanity



Sheikha Bodour emphasized the importance of this grant, indicating it reflects Sharjah's dedication to preserving human heritage while safeguarding our shared memory. She reiterated that knowledge is a cornerstone of sustainable human development and that the UNESCO World Archive serves as a pivotal center for preserving cultural legacies.

Enhancing Access to Knowledge



With this initiative, Sharjah reiterates its commitment to equitable access to knowledge for all. Sheikha Bodour conveyed that protecting the collective memory of humanity is crucial for fostering creativity and progress. The agreement aims to forge new paths for international collaboration, ensuring that future generations can learn from history and be inspired by its lessons.

A Forefront Cultural Leadership



The signing of this contract illustrates Sharjah's proactive approach, under the leadership of its Ruler, to advance humanitarian initiatives and promote knowledge. This move fortifies the emirate's position as a global hub for cultural preservation and uplifts its representation in renowned international scientific and educational organizations. By establishing a connection between the past and the future, this initiative captures the essence of cultural storytelling and narrative preservation.

In summary, the commitment shown by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi marks a pivotal moment for the UNESCO global archive and signifies Sharjah's instrumental role in international cultural efforts. The project stands as a vital building block towards sharing knowledge and contributing to humanity's collective legacy, paving the way for an enriched understanding of our global journey through history.

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