Ethiopia Strengthens National Framework to Safeguard and Promote Its Written Heritage

Addis Ababa, October 27, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia has officially commenced the work of its National Committee for the Protection, Conservation, Promotion, and Inscription of Ethiopian Written Heritage, marking a major milestone in the country’s effort to preserve and promote its centuries-old documentary legacy.

The announcement was made at a special event held in Addis Ababa to commemorate the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, jointly organized by the Ethiopian Archives and Library Service (EALS), the Ministry of Culture and Sports, and UNESCO Addis Ababa. The ceremony highlighted Ethiopia’s commitment to safeguarding its invaluable written and audiovisual heritage and ensuring broader access for future generations.

The newly established committee — also known as the Ethiopian National Memory of the World (MoW) Committee — is tasked with protecting the nation’s manuscripts, archives, historical documents, and oral traditions.

It will coordinate national initiatives on memory preservation, develop a National Documentary Heritage Register, and advocate for the inscription of Ethiopian heritage in UNESCO’s global Memory of the World Register.

The launch ceremony brought together senior officials, scholars, media representatives, and cultural institutions, including Daniel Kibret, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Social Affairs; Nebiyu Baye, State Minister of Culture and Sports; and Dr. Rita Bissoonauth, Director of the UNESCO Liaison Office to the African Union and ECA and UNESCO Representative to Ethiopia.

State Minister Nebiyu Baye emphasized that Ethiopia, as one of the world’s oldest civilizations, possesses a wealth of written heritage and oral traditions.

He highlighted the country’s enduring contributions to the preservation of humanity’s collective memory.

Mr. Sertse Fre-Sibhat, Director General of EALS, recalled that since 1997, Ethiopia has successfully inscribed 12 documentary heritages in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, including ancient manuscripts and historical records of universal significance. He stressed that the newly established committee will further strengthen efforts to preserve and promote these treasures.

Dr. Rita Bissoonauth praised Ethiopia’s commitment to safeguarding its documentary heritage, noting that the Memory of the World Programme recognizes heritage of universal value and supports countries in ensuring its protection and global accessibility.

The activation of the National MoW Committee represents a transformative step in Ethiopia’s cultural preservation journey, it has been learned.

It will foster collaboration across institutions, enhance the development of a national documentary heritage registry, and advance Ethiopia’s nominations to UNESCO’s global register—ensuring that the country’s invaluable written and oral heritage is preserved, celebrated, and accessible for generations to come.