Rabat: The Fourth Forum on Cultural Heritage Management, entitled "Manuscript Heritage in Light of Legal Frameworks, Preservation, and Digital Transformation," commenced at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). Organized by ICESCO in cooperation with the Arab Organization for Administrative Development, the forum is set to continue until November 13.
According to Qatar News Agency, the forum gathers a select group of experts and specialists with the aim of highlighting institutional and international efforts in legislation, preservation, and digitization to protect manuscript intellectual heritage. Director-General of ICESCO, Dr. Salim bin Mohammed Al Malik, emphasized the organization's expertise in manuscript preservation and the importance of raising awareness about issues related to this heritage. He stressed the need to utilize modern technologies for physical preservation, develop intelligent handwriting recognition, and leverage spectral imaging and its analysis, along with employing big data to provide detailed information about this heritage.
Director General of the Arab Organization for Administrative Development, Nasser Al Hatlan Al Qahtani, highlighted the importance of institutional partnerships in building capacity and developing legal frameworks for manuscript protection. He called for aligning national legislation with international standards and emphasized the need for strengthened cooperation between libraries and archives, investment in digitization infrastructure, and the development of qualified personnel.
The forum's program includes four scientific sessions focusing on manuscript protection and the mechanisms for implementing legal legislation. It will also analyze the foundations and content of Arab laws pertaining to manuscripts, review experiences in preservation and maintenance by repositories and centers, and discuss the digital transformation and sustainability of manuscripts in the age of artificial intelligence.