Sharjah safeguards world's collective memory: Bodour

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, witnessed the signing of an agreement at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in Paris to digitise UNESCO's global archive in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, and Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO.

- Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The $6 million project is funded by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA).

The signing ceremony at UNESCO's headquarters, featured Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the SBA, signing the agreement alongside Jennifer Linkins, Assistant Director-General for Administration and Management at UNESCO.

The agreement will preserve human heritage, protect international records, and ensure permanent digital access to these invaluable resources, aligning with the directives of the Sharjah Ruler.

The five-year project will digitise books, manuscripts, audio recordings, documentary films, and other materials.

His Highness toured the UNESCO Library and Archives, and was briefed on some of its most notable documents, books, manuscripts and more.

The Sharjah Ruler also learned about the library's key roles in supporting the organisation's work and leveraging its cultural content to strengthen the role of UNESCO and its personnel.

Sheikh Sultan reviewed important historical documents affected by various conditions that could lead to deterioration.