Mogadishu, 8 June 2026 – The workshop, organized by UNESCO with support from the Japan-funded JFIT Programme, brought together representatives from government institutions, experts, and stakeholders working in the preservation of heritage, culture, literature, history, and national memory archives.
During the workshop, participants were introduced to the Memory of the World Programme and UNESCO’s role in safeguarding documentary heritage. Presentations were also delivered on the assessment of the historical archives of Radio Mogadishu and the importance of preserving and facilitating public access to these archives, which contain Somalia’s historical memory dating back to 1951.
On the second day, discussions focused on the procedures for registering documentary heritage, Somalia’s preparations for participation in the Memory of the World Programme, and the establishment of a National Committee to coordinate efforts aimed at preserving and safeguarding Somalia’s historical heritage.
Closing the workshop, Abdishakur Ali Ahmed, Director of the Strategic Communication Department at the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of the Federal Government of Somalia, stated that the workshop represents an important starting point in building Somalia’s understanding of the Memory of the World Programme. He noted that it could enable Somalia to benefit from opportunities to preserve, document, and protect the historical archives of Radio Mogadishu and the country’s broader historical heritage.
The Director Strategic Communication expressed his appreciation to UNESCO, the experts, and the stakeholder representatives who contributed practical and constructive ideas throughout the workshop.
Participants agreed on the establishment of a National Memory of the World Committee and on strengthening cooperation to safeguard Somalia’s historical heritage and documentary records.
