The Memory of the World Register is a list of documentary heritage that has been approved by the International Consultation Committee (ICC) and ratified as such by UNESCO’s Director General within the context of the Memory of the World Programme (MoW). Through its recognition, the documentary heritage becomes protected and distributed as such.

The proposals for inscription in the register can be submitted by any individual or organisation, including governments and NGOs, although priority is given to proposals presented by the corresponding regional or national Memory of the World committee, if there is one, or by the respective UNESCO National Commission. Likewise, priority shall be given to documentary heritage that is endangered. As a general rule, these proposals will be limited to two per country every two years.

The evaluation of proposals is comparative and relative due to the fact that cultural importance cannot be measured in absolute terms. These proposals must meet the authenticity criteria, that is, they must be unique, irreplaceable and transcendental (in terms of time, place, people, etc.). Additionally, criteria such as rarity, integrity, endangerment and others will be taken into consideration.

Every two years, UNESCO gives out the UNESCO/Jikji Memory of the World Prize, as a way to promote the Memory of the World Programme. The award consists of US$30,000, which is given to people or institutions that have made important contributions to preserve and facilitate access to documentary heritage. The amount of the prize, its operating expenses and all expenses related to the award ceremony are financed by the Republic of South Korea. The name of the prize commemorates the inscription of Jikji, or “Buljo jikji simche yojeol”, the oldest existing book printed with movable metal type.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, 26 countries have more than 50 listings in the Memory of the World Programme. Chile has two registered since 2003: the Human Rights Archive and the Jesuits of America Fund

For more information

• UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register
  General list, sorted by country, year, etc.
• How to submit a project to the Memory of the World Programme