Certificate Award Ceremony for Inclusion in the Polish National Register of the UNESCO “Memory of the World” Programme
On 26 June 2024, a formal ceremony was held at the Belweder Palace in Warsaw to present certificates of inscription in the Polish National Register of the UNESCO “Memory of the World” Programme. The fourth edition of the register was held under the honorary patronage of the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda.
A letter addressed by the President to the participants and organisers of the event was read by Presidential Adviser Tadeusz Deszkiewicz. In his message, the President congratulated the honoured institutions and emphasised the vital role of archivists and museum professionals in preserving national memory, which also serves as a foundation for the future.
During the ceremony, Sebastian Karwat, Director of the Katyn Museum, received the certificate confirming the inscription of a collection of documents excavated from mass graves in Katym, Kharkiv and Mednoye onto the Polish National Register.
The Polish Committee of the UNESCO “Memory of the World” Programme has been active since 1996. It brings together representatives of the country’s leading libraries, archives and academic institutions, all of whom are deeply committed to the protection of cultural heritage. The Committee is chaired by the Director General of the State Archives.
Through the implementation of the “Memory of the World” Programme, the Committee undertakes initiatives aimed at safeguarding and promoting access to Poland’s documentary heritage. In line with the Programme’s vision, documentary heritage belongs to all humanity and should be preserved in such a way that it remains accessible to future generations. It should also be widely available to the public. The Programme seeks to raise awareness of the need to protect documentary heritage worldwide, support the principle of universal access, and highlight its significance and value.
Fifteen newly inscribed items are presented in the exhibition entitled “Memory of Poland. Polish National Register of the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme – 4th Edition”, currently on display in front of Kordegarda – the National Centre for Culture Gallery in Warsaw. The exhibition will remain open to visitors until 30 June, after which it will travel to other cities associated with the listed objects.
