Ethiopia Launches National Memory of the World Committee to Safeguard

Ethiopia Launches National Memory of the World Committee

On 27 October 2025, the Government of Ethiopia, in collaboration with UNESCO, officially inaugurated the National Committee for the Memory of the World. This nine-member committee includes representatives from key government sectors, academia, and cultural institutions, signaling a renewed national focus on protecting, promoting, and celebrating Ethiopia’s documentary heritage for future generations.

Significance of the Launch Event

The launch coincided with the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, gathering ministers, state ministers, government officials, archivists, cultural experts, academics, and civil society representatives. The event marked a crucial development in raising public awareness about the value of preserving Ethiopia’s documentary records.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite Ethiopia's rich cultural history, it has registered only 12 items on the UNESCO International Memory of the World Register in the last 20 years. This underlines the need for a stronger national effort toward safeguarding and gaining international recognition for its documentary treasures.

“Ethiopia is more than a nation; it is a repository of civilization,” said Dr.

Committee Composition

Includes nine members
Representatives from government, academia, and cultural institutions
Focused on preservation and promotion of documentary heritage

Author's summary: Ethiopia’s newly formed National Memory of the World Committee aims to revitalize efforts to preserve the country's documentary heritage, highlighting its cultural richness and international significance.

UNESCO — 2025-11-06