The National Archives and Library organizes a session on… "The role of the document in preserving national identity"
ABU DHABI, 15 April / WAM / The National Archives and the National Library, in cooperation with the Khalifa City Council in Abu Dhabi, organized a dialogue session entitled “Document and National Memory: Crises and Horizons of Opportunities,” in which His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director General of the Archives and the National Library, spoke.
His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Majid Al Ali shed light on the emergence of the National Archive and Library, which was established in 1968 under the directives of the late founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, “may God rest his soul,” where the objectives of the National Archive and Library were defined by collecting and preserving documents and archives, in a way that contributes to enhancing cultural and historical awareness, and today it includes a large wealth of materials that document various aspects of life in the country and the Arabian Gulf region.
During the session, he discussed several main topics, including protecting the document in times of danger, the document as a reference in times of conflict, and turning the news into a historical document, stressing that the document represents the cornerstone of preserving national memory and preserving identity, especially in times of crisis when countries face challenges that threaten their history and cultural heritage.
He pointed out that the importance of documents is not limited to being records of the past, but rather they are effective tools for understanding the present and building the future, in addition to their legal role in proving rights and establishing facts before the international community.
The Director General of the National Archives and Library praised the UAE Armed Forces and their role in defending the nation’s gains and capabilities, stressing that their performance in times of crisis constitutes an important reference for future generations.
He stressed the need to adopt proactive policies to protect documents, through digitization, creating backup copies, distributing preservation centers, and developing effective risk management plans, warning that the loss of documents during crises, whether due to wars or natural disasters, leads to the loss of an important part of national memory.
He addressed the importance of the document in times of conflict, indicating that it contributes to supporting the political and legal positions of countries, and helps refute misleading narratives, pointing out that many international issues were resolved based on reliable historical documents.
His Excellency explained that what is considered current news today may in the future turn into a historical document of great value, which requires documenting it accurately and professionally to ensure benefit from it in studying history and formulating future decisions.
The session touched on the Encyclopedia of the History of the United Arab Emirates, as the first comprehensive national scientific encyclopedia that documents the history of the country and its cultural achievements from the period before Christ until contemporary history, and covers various areas of life in a scientific and objective manner.
His Excellency called on the owners of private archives to deposit them with the Archives and the National Library for restoration, digitization and preservation, as a continuation of the nation’s memory and of great importance to researchers and those interested in the history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates.
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