The world marks the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage today, highlighting the importance of preserving films, recordings and other audiovisual materials for future generations.

The annual observance recognises the work of specialists who protect materials at risk of being lost. It also raises awareness of the urgent need to preserve audiovisual records as valuable sources of history and knowledge.

This year’s theme, “Your Window to the World,” highlights how audiovisual heritage connects societies and promotes mutual understanding across cultures.

According to UNESCO, audiovisual archives tell stories about people’s lives and cultures around the globe. They preserve collective memory and provide valuable knowledge while reflecting the cultural, social and linguistic diversity of communities worldwide.

However, preserving these materials is only part of the challenge. Institutions must also ensure that the public and future generations can access them.

To support this goal, UNESCO has launched the project “Digitizing Our Shared History at UNESCO,” which aims to safeguard and improve access to the organisation’s historical records.

The World Day also gives UNESCO member states an opportunity to assess their progress in implementing the 2015 Recommendation concerning the Preservation of, and Access to, Documentary Heritage, Including in Digital Form.

Through these efforts, UNESCO seeks to protect audiovisual archives as a vital record of humanity’s shared history and cultural diversity.