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.