Somalia, UNESCO Launch Effort to Preserve Historic Archives

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia has taken a step toward preserving its historical and cultural heritage through a UNESCO-supported initiative aimed at safeguarding the country’s documentary archives.

The two-day workshop, organized by UNESCO with support from the Japanese-funded Japan Funds-in-Trust (JFIT) programme, brought together government officials, heritage experts, archivists and cultural stakeholders to discuss the protection of Somalia’s documentary heritage and preparations for participation in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme.

Participants examined the role of the international programme in preserving historically significant documents and archives, while experts presented assessments of Radio Mogadishu’s archival collections, which contain recordings and materials documenting key moments in Somalia’s modern history dating back to 1951.

Discussions also focused on improving the preservation, digitization and public accessibility of historical records, which many experts view as essential for protecting Somalia’s collective memory after decades of conflict, displacement and institutional disruption.

During the workshop, participants reviewed procedures for registering documentary heritage under UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme and explored ways Somalia could nominate nationally significant archives for international recognition.

The initiative comes as Somalia seeks to strengthen efforts to preserve cultural heritage that has been threatened by years of civil war, instability and inadequate archival infrastructure. Historians and cultural experts have long warned that valuable records documenting the country’s political, cultural and social history remain at risk of deterioration or loss.

Abdishakur Ali Ahmed, Director of Media Strategy at the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, described the workshop as an important milestone in expanding Somalia’s understanding of the Memory of the World Programme and creating opportunities to preserve and document the country’s historical archives.

He thanked UNESCO, participating experts and stakeholders for their contributions and expressed hope that the initiative would help protect Somalia’s documentary heritage for future generations.

Participants also agreed to establish a national committee that will coordinate efforts to identify, preserve and promote Somalia’s historical records under the UNESCO framework.

Cultural experts say preserving archives such as those held by Radio Mogadishu is critical not only for safeguarding Somalia’s history but also for strengthening national identity, supporting academic research and ensuring future generations have access to authentic records of the country’s past.