First International
Memory of the World Conference
held at Oslo, Norway
June 3-5, 1996
WHEREAS:
- The documentary heritage which constitutes
the recorded Memory of the World is unique, fragile and irreplaceable:
in many places it faces immediate threat of loss;
- the oral heritage of peoples 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 enduring;
- 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 cooperate
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 cooperate 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.