WHEREAS:
The
documentary heritage which constitutes the recorded "Memory of the
World" is unique, fragile and irreplaceable yet in many
places it faces immediate threat of loss;
the
oral heritage of peoples too often remains unrecorded and in danger of
being forgotten;
the
"Memory of the World" Programme expresses a compelling vision,
transcending boundaries and linking peoples with the
common purpose of preserving the collective memory of humankind;
the
Programme will be highly visible, prestigious and enduing;
the
approaching Millennium will focus popular attention on our documentary
heritage as the basis of our understanding of the
past and our vision for the future;
the
new electronic media, while still a challenge for long-term preservation,
offer the potential of disseminating our essential documentary
heritage to the peoples of the world; and
the
framework for the "Memory of the World" Programme has now been
established;
THEREFORE be it resolved that:
The
First International "Memory of the World" Conference, with 65
countries represented from all parts of the world,
urges
all countries to establish "Memory of the World" committees and
to become active participants in this Programme;
urges
all concerned professionals to co-operate in establishing priorities and
in developing projects for "Memory of the World"
initiatives and in exploring innovative approaches to funding;
urges
the international professional organizations to collaborate in developing
the necessary international standards for the preservation
of and equitable access to significant documentary heritage in all media;
urges
UNESCO to encourage initiatives that will ensure that the "Memory
of the World" Programme is perceived as exemplary
and vital, conferring international recognition and distinction on projects
of outstanding significance.
