The UNESCO Memory of the World Programme

Abstract

The Memory of the World Programme was inaugurated by UNESCO in 1993 to promote the safeguarding of libraries and archives, particularly those under threat. It has organized projects and programmes to raise awareness and maintains an international register of documentary heritage of world significance. The most prominent activity has been the maintenance of the International Register of the Memory of the World. At the most recent session of UNESCO’s General Conference, the programme was afforced by the adoption of a UNESCO Recommendation on documentary heritage. The article reviews the history and development of the programme since its inception.