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UNESCO and Qatar National Library (QNL) to host a two-day regional conference on documentary heritage preservation.

In 2018, QNL and UNESCO joined forces to support the preservation of documentary heritage in the Arab region by understanding the needs and challenges of heritage institutions in order to build their capacities and strengthen knowledge and information exchange. This project is part of the IFLA Preservation and Conservation Centre (PAC) for Arab Countries, managed by Qatar National Library (QNL), and within the framework of UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme.

The Arab region is home to an extraordinary documentary heritage. Its historical manuscripts, maps, printed books, archives, audiovisual recordings and photos are a valuable contribution to the history of humanity, and are key to fostering dialogue between cultures. Preserving this heritage comes with challenges, including limited resources to prevent natural deterioration, lack of technical expertise, and threats from conflict and natural disasters.

The project aims to protect the Arab region’s history, identity, and knowledge through the preservation of documentary heritage, which currently runs the risk of being lost due to neglect, natural decay, outdated technology, inadequate housing, or deliberate destruction.

IFLA President Christine Mackenzie will give a keynote speech during the conference.

SOURCE: Qatar National Library