Having discussed means of cultural collaboration and distinctive experience exchange with various entities,
The National Library and Archives participates in the International Oral History Association Conference in Brazil
The National Library and Archives participated with a working paper in the International Oral History Association Conference, which was held in Rio de Janeiro. It reviewed aspects of the UAE’s society and focused on its values and principles and the role of the UAE’s leaders and sheikhs in establishing a powerful nation and a close-knit society.
The NLA’s visit to Rio de Janeiro aimed to activate the cultural collaboration and experience exchange and promote the intercultural dialogue between the UAE and the Federal Republic of Brazil.
In the International Oral History Association Conference held in Rio de Janeiro, Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, Research Advisor at the NLA, presented a paper entitled “African Diaspora: Narratives about Historical Transformations, Identity and Cultural Influence and Integration”. She highlighted the reality of the UAE’s society and the values that were passed down through generations since the pearl diving era. She also tackled some historical aspects and the virtue of tolerance, which is demonstrated by the UAE’s citizens and residents. In addition, the paper pointed out the societal value that enhances cooperation and peace, which set the UAE’s society apart from others and which enabled the UAE to host more than 200 nationalities seeking residence and work.
The Research Advisor encouraged the conference participants to take part in the major archival event, ICA Congress Abu Dhabi 2023, which will be held on October 9-13, 2023, and which will discuss contemporary and future archival themes and issues. It serves as a forum to exchange innovative and sustainable ideas on the themes to be discussed: Peace and Tolerance, Emerging Technologies: Electronic Records, Electronic Solutions, Trust and Evidence, Access and Memories, and Sustainable Knowledge, Sustainable Planet: Archives, Records and Climate Change.
Furthermore, the NLA’s delegation visited the Public Archive and Secretariate General of Culture in Rio de Janeiro, Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading and the National Library of Brazil and discussed with them means of exchanging successful and distinctive experiences.
The NLA’s delegation including Dr. Aisha Bilkhair and Mrs. Madya Al Meheirbi, an oral history researcher and Head of Youth Council, held a number of meetings in order to learn about the rare holdings including documents, manuscripts and books pertaining to the UAE and the Arab region. Moreover, the delegation discussed with the concerned parties at the Brazilian cultural entities means of collaboration in the field of translation, historical research and organization of mutual events that would achieve the targeted objectives. It visited prestigious government organizations such as Itamaraty Palace and Public Archive of Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian National Archives, Royal Library and National Library of Brazil. In Sao Paulo, the delegation paid calls to the Public Archive, Museum of Portuguese Language, USP Library, Villa Lobos Park Library, etc.