QNL, IFLA lead discussion on heritage preservation in Afghanistan

Doha: The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the Preservation And Conservation (PAC) Centre at Qatar National Library (QNL) recently hosted a discussion with prominent global organisations and well-known experts to explore ways to protect and preserve Afghanistan’s heritage items. 

The session was organised to help coordinate efforts by all entities working together to secure Afghanistan’s documentary heritage that is under threat of trafficking or theft following the recent events in the country. Representatives from various entities, including IFLA, the PAC Centre at the Library, Interpol’s Works of Art, the International Council on Archives (ICA), Athar-project, the Smithsonian Institution, International Council of Museum (ICOM), Prince Claus Fund, ALIPH - International alliance for the protection of heritage in conflict areas, International Council of Museums and Sites (ICOMOS), the Sri Lanka PAC Centre in charge of South Asia, the Middle East Librarians Association in USA (MELA), the Norwegian Institute in Rome and the National Library of China among others, participated in the discussion. Furthermore, ALIPH and Prince Claus Fund have been at the forefront of heritage preservation in Afghanistan over the past few years and have also worked with the library to rehabilitate the cultural space in Beirut following the tragic blast in 2020.