Paris: Iraq actively participated in the fourth policy forum of UNESCO on documentary heritage and the “Memory of the World” program, which took place in Paris from October 27 to 30. This event brought together policy makers, government representatives, and documentary heritage experts to discuss the crucial role of documentary heritage in fostering international understanding and cooperation.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Iraq used the forum as a platform to showcase its ongoing efforts in preserving documentary heritage and proposed the inclusion of elements of Iraqi memory in the Memory of the World Register. Leading the Iraqi delegation was Ali Razouki Al-Lami, Deputy Director of the Prime Minister’s Office and Chairman of the Iraqi Committee for the Memory of the World Register. Al-Lami emphasized the importance of documenting Iraq’s experiences, particularly in its fight against ISIS, to promote global understanding.

During the forum, Al-Lami highlighted Iraq’s establishment of several spec
ialized national committees, such as the Visual Archives Committee and the National Archives Committee, which are linked to the Prime Minister’s Office. This linkage underscores the Iraqi government’s commitment to prioritizing heritage preservation. The proposals submitted by Iraq received positive reception from UNESCO’s General Secretariat of the Memory of the World Register program.

Iraq’s proposals included supporting national records, creating mechanisms for digital heritage preservation, and developing digital platforms to provide access to global memories. Additionally, Iraq advocated for unified international policies to protect documentary heritage, particularly in conflict-hit regions like Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria.

The Iraqi delegation also called for equitable global policies regarding digital platforms to counteract existing biases favoring Western content over other cultures, especially Arabic and Islamic heritage. They stressed the importance of media awareness campaigns and integ
rating global digital communities to foster appreciation for documentary heritage.

Iraq reiterated its dedication to using documentary heritage as a means to promote peace and cooperation, urging nations to incorporate these elements into policies supporting peace, education, and cultural exchange. These initiatives reflect the potential of documentary heritage as a vital global resource for building a culture of peace and mutual understanding.