Unlocking Our Shared Heritage: The Khalili Foundation & UNESCO Memory of the World Initiative

Imagine a world where the treasures of human history are just a click away. Where ancient manuscripts, groundbreaking scientific papers, and cultural masterpieces are accessible to everyone, everywhere. That’s the vision driving our exciting new partnership between UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme and the Khalili Foundation.

The Khalili Foundation’s mission goes beyond democratising content from the Khalili Collections. It is to democratize the world’s cultural knowledge and make our shared documentary heritage a true public good. We’re bringing history to life on Wikimedia Commons, creating a digital sanctuary for humanity’s most precious documents.

Imagine a world where the treasures of human history are just a click away. Where ancient manuscripts, groundbreaking scientific papers, and cultural masterpieces are accessible to everyone, everywhere. That’s the vision driving our exciting new partnership between UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme and the Khalili Foundation.

The Khalili Foundation’s mission goes beyond democratising content from the Khalili Collections. It is to democratize the world’s cultural knowledge and make our shared documentary heritage a true public good. We’re bringing history to life on Wikimedia Commons, creating a digital sanctuary for humanity’s most precious documents.

Key Objectives

1
Open The gates

Dramatically increase public access to documentary heritage through Wikimedia Commons, reaching millions worldwide.

2
Bridge Communities

Foster collaboration between Wikimedia contributors and documentary heritage experts, creating a powerful alliance to preserve and share our collective past.

3
Inspire Action

Raise awareness about the importance of documentary heritage, encouraging further preservation efforts and nominations to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Registers.

Our Initiatives

  • Digitizing and uploading information on 494 items from the Memory of the World International Register.
  • Mobilizing a global network of Wikimedia contributors to curate and enhance these digital treasures.
  • Hosting awareness-raising events, including a keynote by UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Sir Nasser David Khalili at the UNESCO Conference Documentary Heritage: A Knowledge platform for Intercultural Dialogue in October 2024.

The Impact

10 million+ anticipated views of newly accessible heritage items

Empowering researchers, educators and curious minds everywhere

Preserving vulnerable collections especially from underrepresented regions

Join the Movement

This project is just the beginning. Together, we’re building a future where knowledge knows no borders and our shared heritage connects us all. Explore, contribute, and help us write the next chapter in humanity’s grand story.

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