Sharjah commits $6 million to digitize UNESCO's world archives, preserving millions of historical records and boosting global access to cultural heritage.
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| Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi oversees landmark deal to digitize UNESCO archives, reflecting Sharjah’s leadership in global heritage and cultural innovation. Image: Sharjah Authority |
Paris, France – May 23, 2025:
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has launched a landmark initiative to digitally preserve UNESCO’s global archives through a $6 million grant from the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA). The agreement, signed Wednesday at UNESCO’s Paris headquarters, is set to revolutionize access to one of the world’s most significant collections of historical documents.
The signing ceremony was attended by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, and UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. Representing SBA, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, its Chairwoman, signed the agreement alongside Jennifer Linkins, Assistant Director-General for Administration and Management at UNESCO.
Under the directive of the Ruler of Sharjah, the five-year project aims to digitize a wide range of archival materials including manuscripts, books, photographs, audio recordings, documentaries, and institutional records. The initiative seeks to preserve fragile heritage, ensure global digital accessibility, and enhance cultural continuity.
During his visit, Sheikh Dr. Sultan toured the UNESCO Library and Archives, examining rare and historically significant collections. He reviewed deteriorating documents, highlighting the urgency and relevance of the digitization project.
UNESCO’s archives, among the largest institutional collections in the world, span nearly 80 years of cultural, scientific, and educational milestones. The repository holds over 2.5 million pages of documents, 165,000 rare photographs, and thousands of hours of audio and video recordings. However, only 5% of this vast archive has been digitized to date.
Sharjah’s involvement addresses the critical need for technical and financial support to accelerate the archive’s transformation into a digital format. This effort will make vital historical content more accessible to researchers, academic institutions, and cultural organizations worldwide.
“This grant exemplifies Sharjah’s dedication to safeguarding human heritage and the collective memory of the world,” said Sheikha Bodour. “Our belief is rooted in the idea that equitable access to knowledge fosters creativity and drives sustainable human development.”
She also emphasized the strategic and inclusive vision guiding the emirate’s cultural policies. “Through this initiative, we are opening new channels for international cooperation that respect the past while equipping future generations to learn and innovate.”
The digitization agreement further strengthens Sharjah’s role as a global leader in heritage preservation and cultural diplomacy. It reaffirms the emirate’s longstanding commitment to intellectual progress, Arab representation in global institutions, and the protection of the world’s shared knowledge legacy.