Paris: His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, witnessed the signing of a $6 million agreement aimed at digitising UNESCO's global archive. The agreement, supported by a grant from the Sharjah Book Authority, is set to enhance the preservation of global heritage through digital means.
According to Emirates News Agency, the signing ceremony took place at UNESCO's headquarters in Paris, with notable attendees including H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, and Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, and Jennifer Linkins, Assistant Director-General for Administration and Management at UNESCO, signed the agreement.
The project, directed by the Ruler of Sharjah, aims to protect important documents and ensure digital accessibility over a five-year period. It will involve digitising a wide range of materials, including books, manuscripts, audio recordings, documentaries, and other archival content. This initiative is crucial for safeguarding UNESCO's cultural, intellectual, and historical holdings, some of which are at risk due to deterioration.
During his visit, His Highness toured the UNESCO Library and Archive, examining key collections and learning about the library's role in supporting UNESCO's objectives. The archive is one of the largest institutional archives globally, containing nearly 80 years of historical records, including over 2.5 million pages of documents and 165,000 rare photographs.
Currently, only 5 percent of the archive has been digitised, highlighting the urgent need for this project. The remaining 95 percent remains undigitised, presenting a challenge due to limited resources and logistical hurdles. This initiative by Sharjah is a significant step towards making this global legacy accessible to researchers and cultural communities worldwide.
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi emphasised Sharjah's commitment to preserving human heritage and promoting fair access to knowledge. She noted that this project creates new opportunities for international collaboration, fostering creativity and progress while respecting historical legacies.
The agreement underscores Sharjah's leadership in cultural preservation and heritage protection under His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. It positions the emirate as a global hub for promoting Arab representation in international intellectual and scientific organisations.