UNESCO’s Executive Board document 224 EX/29 (Paris, 23 March 2026) proposes proclaiming 19 November — the anniversary of the Memory of the World Programme’s establishment in 1992 — as the International Day of Documentary Heritage. The proposal aims to raise global awareness of the value and vulnerability of manuscripts, archives, library collections, audiovisual materials and digital records that form humanity’s documentary memory.

Why the day matters

The day would highlight documentary heritage’s role in preserving identity, supporting education and research, promoting intercultural dialogue and enabling evidence-based policy.

Many collections — especially in developing countries and small island states — face threats from insufficient resources, limited digitization, technological obsolescence, climate change and disasters.

Goals and expected impact

The International Day of Documentary Heritage is aimed at encouraging governments, memory institutions and communities to undertake preservation initiatives, capacity-building and public outreach aligned with UNESCO’s 2015 Recommendation on documentary heritage.

In addition, it aims to increase the visibility of documentary heritage; strengthen policy and resource mobilization; enhance cooperation among Member States, UNESCO and MoW committees; increase youth engagement and the integration of documentary heritage into education and cultural programmes.

Practicalities and implementation

19 November is proposed as the annual observance date. Activities, such exhibitions, open days in archives and libraries, conferences, capacity‑building workshops, film screenings, storytelling events, youth initiatives, digitization projects and online seminars, would be funded through voluntary contributions and partnerships.

This proposal offers a clear opportunity for the regional MoW network in Asia and the Pacific to:

• Coordinate regional awareness campaigns and joint digital exhibitions for 19 November;

• Prioritize capacity building and disaster‑preparedness training for at‑risk collections in the region;

• Seek voluntary partnerships and funding for digitization and sustainable preservation projects.

The full document can be accessed on the UNESCO website.