Global Policy Forum
From Policy to Practice
The Global Policy Forum is the flagship of the Memory of the World project supported by the Japanese Funds-In-Trust. Since its debut in 2018, three editions have focused on policy development aimed at the preservation and enhancing accessibility of documentary heritage among Member States.
The fourth edition of the Global Policy Forum will be held within the International Conference of the Memory of the World Programme, which focuses on the possible utilization of documentary heritage as a knowledge asset for international understanding and cooperation, particularly during times of crises both within and between countries.
In this context, the fourth edition of the Global Policy Forum, “From Policy to Practice”, will showcase on-the-ground practices, highlighting experiences from experts in the field before, during and after a crisis.
The Forum will hold three panel sessions, covering:
- Good practices of action on the ground at the global level
- Existing mechanisms of collaboration for safeguarding documentary heritage through disaster risk reduction
- Addressing needs and issues in the face of rising global challenges
Enhancing international cooperation
The third edition built on the previous progress in developing effective policies to safeguard documentary heritage while incorporating disaster risk reduction management. Held under the theme “Enhancing international cooperation to better safeguard documentary heritage at risk”, the Forum brought together policymakers, experts and memory institutions from around the globe to discuss ways to strengthen international cooperation and explore existing global initiatives, tools, and opportunities for preserving documentary heritage through disaster management.
Discussion focused on the impacts brought about by climate change, pollution and conflict, to name a few – as consequences of man-made and natural disasters. This edition marked the first time the event was hosted in Japan, having the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as co-host and donor. The Forum took place in November 2022.
Main outcomes
Towards a global policy framework
Nearly 900 participants, including policy-makers and experts from memory institutions across the world, took part in the 2nd edition of the Memory of the World Global Policy Forum on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management for Sustainable Preservation of Documentary Heritage. Held on September 2021 at UNESCO Headquarters, the meeting laid the groundwork for the development of a global policy framework for the safeguarding of documentary heritage, based on the discussions of the following topics:
- Key Issues for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management for Preservation of Documentary Heritage
- Overview of Regional and National Activities
- UNESCO's strategy and action for sustainable preservation of documentary heritage through disaster risk and management
Results
See the results of the 2021 Global Policy Forum by consulting the annual progress report.
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
The first edition took place in December 2018 at UNESCO Headquarters, focusing on three specific contexts of policy conception, implementation, and evaluation:
- Safeguarding, rescuing, and restoring damaged documentary heritage
- Documenting disaster through research, awareness raising and community engagement
- Deploying an interdisciplinary approach toward preservation efforts for documentary heritage
Results
Learn about the progress made on the first edition of the Global Policy Forum.