Page 29 - 2022UNESCO ICDH Newsletter_vol.4

3. Towards the robust and effective use of
documentary heritage
Efforts to preserve and provide access to
documentary heritage are vital. However, what has
perhaps been underemphasized is the next step
enabled by these efforts.
The question to be asked is, therefore, “How
can memory institutions connect their collections
to users of all types, at all levels, and realize the
societal potential of their collections?”
Documentary heritage has a strong role to play
in fostering knowledge-based dialogues, including
intercultural dialogue. In general, this dialogue can
promote understanding between different societies 4. The role of Documentary Heritage in
or cultures regardless of geographically distances, Sustainable Development
and thus facilitate reconciliation and peace. By The fundamental role of documentary heritage
maximizing cooperation among memory institutions in informing inclusive, just and peaceful societies
around the world, this potential can best be is rooted in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
realized. Development.
In this regard, regional and national MoW Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 seeks
committees are in the best position to promote to “promote peaceful and inclusive societies for
documentary heritage as it relates to human rights, sustainable development, provide access to justice
2. Documentary heritage in a fast-evolving regardless of their geographical locations, to take democracy and social justice movements. Further for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive
context: turning threats into opportunities part in discussions, further highlighting the need they should continue to encourage Member States institutions at all levels”. Target 16.10 of this SDG
Documentary heritage is fragile and especially for concerted action on safeguarding documentary to submit joint nominations to the MoW International aims to “ensure public access to information and
susceptible to a great number of hazards. Without heritage as “the memory of the world”. Register, or otherwise engage their counterparts protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with
appropriate management and preservation, Throughout these challenges, it has also from other countries in trans-border or sub-regional national legislation and international agreements.”
including that in digital format, this material is at risk become increasingly clear that documentary activities on common heritage. Therefore, practical steps to realize the
of being lost forever. heritage can act as a source of scientific, edu- These efforts to promote the robust and potential of documentary heritage to promote
In the past decades, documentary heritage cational, aesthetic and cultural value for citizens, effective use of documentary heritage and wider peaceful, just and inclusive societies, are required.
has been impacted by a host of destructive forces. memory institutions and governments. It offers a recognition of its value can help inform and connect This can be facilitated by positioning the
In the first instance, it has fallen victim to its own glimpse into how people and governments in the citizens and, in turn, help them participate in documentary heritage collections held in libraries,
fragility and instability, but beyond this, brutal wars, past coped with challenges similar to those faced promoting inclusive, just and peaceful societies – archives, museums, and other memory institutions
social upheaval, and other natural and human- today. For example, surviving documentation on the theme of the 30th anniversary celebration. as informational resources linking the past, present
caused disasters have resulted in its destruction. the 1918 Influenza Pandemic, which lasted until and future. All stakeholders, within memory in-
Furthermore, over the last two years, it has been 1920, offers first-hand evidence of how individuals, stitutions and beyond, must consider documentary
caught up in a fast-changing information landscape, communities and governments. This response heritage as a resource for facilitating both “public
particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. was against the backdrop of government-imposed access to information” and the enjoyment of
However, within all of these threats is the lockdown measures on archives, libraries, museums fundamental freedoms, including the right to cultural
opportunity for memory institutions to adapt, and other public places, and therefore resonates participation.
including by embracing digital innovation to with the lived experience of many today. More specifically, positioning documentary
preserve and enhance the accessibility of Recognition of the many threats to docu- heritage as a contributing factor in building
documentary heritage. mentary heritage has placed an increased focus inclusive, just and peaceful societies requires an
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, more and on the need to invest in education and awareness effort to:
more memory institutions have improved the raising across generations on the shared value of
accessibility of their collections via digital access humankind’s documentary heritage. This must be (i) Ensure that documentary heritage is protected
on a much larger scale. Such threats have also led to targeted to all members of society, of all ages and within memory institutions;
new forms of national and international cooperation at all levels within the formal education system and (ii) Make it readily available and accessible to all;
among memory institutions, where the widespread beyond. This is already central to the mission of (iii) Promote its use and re-use as a matter of
fundamental freedoms.
adoption of virtual meetings have allowed experts, memory institutions.

28 UNESCO ICDH Newsletter 29 Memories of Today