Doha: Mohamed Saeed Al Balushi, a heritage expert at the Ministry of Culture, emphasized the importance of a regional conference in Doha that focuses on the protection and preservation of documentary heritage. The conference aims to facilitate knowledge sharing, particularly in areas such as climate change, and the restoration and safeguarding of valuable historical documents. Al Balushi highlighted that Qatar’s cultural agreements with various countries include provisions for collaboration in preserving cultural heritage.
According to Qatar News Agency, Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, commended Qatar for its leadership in making historical documents accessible through institutions like the Qatar National Archive and the Qatar National Library. He expressed hope for the establishment of a regional Memory of the World Committee to aid in the preservation efforts of documentary heritage.
The first day of the conference centered around the challenges in safeguarding heritage, particularly the risks posed by climate change. Fackson Banda, Head of UNESCO’s Documentary Heritage Unit, underlined the need for better representation of Arab heritage in the Memory of the World Register and called for stronger regional cooperation.
Mohamed Mukhtar, Director-General of Mauritania’s National Archives, discussed the effects of climate change on historical documents and the necessity for improved preservation strategies, including digitization efforts.
The day concluded with a session focused on protecting heritage in conflict zones, featuring speakers from Palestine, Lebanon, Sudan, and Iraq who shared their experiences. Dr. Alwaleed Alkhaja from the Qatar National Library addressed the role of digitization in preserving heritage, while speakers also acknowledged challenges such as limited resources.
The conference also included an exhibition showcasing Arab documentary heritage, offering attendees insights into the region’s rich historical legacy.
The second day will focus on creating a regional committee on the Memory of the World to improve Arab representation in the global register, with discussions on practical recommendations to enhance collaboration in safeguarding documentary heritage. The conference will conclude with final recommendations for the future protection and sustainability of these cultural treasures.
