Cultural Heritage in Our Hands: UGM National Seminar Highlights Vital Role of Libraries, Archives, and Museums in Supporting SDGs

In commemoration of its first anniversary, Gadjah Mada University Library and Archives held a National Seminar titled "The Role of Libraries, Archives, and Museums in Preserving National Cultural Heritage and Supporting Sustainable Development Goals" on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 09.00 AM WIB. Speakers included experts in library management, museum administration, and archiving. The seminar took place at the Seminar Room, L7 Building, 2nd Floor, Gadjah Mada University Library and Archives.

The seminar commenced with welcoming remarks from Arif Surachman, S.IP., M.B.A., Head of Library and Archives, and keynote speaker Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M.Hum., DEA, Vice Rector for Education and Academic Affairs. They emphasized the crucial role of libraries, archives, and museums in preserving cultural heritage and achieving SDGs.

The event featured three distinguished speakers who shared insights on the importance of cultural preservation aligned with SDGs. The first speaker, Wina Erwina, M.A., Ph.D., Head of Knowledge Management Center at Universitas Padjadjaran, presented on "The Role of Libraries in Cultural Preservation and Supporting SDGs." Dr. Erwina highlighted the pivotal role of libraries in safeguarding cultural heritage and promoting lifelong learning, essential for SDG 4: Quality Education. She discussed various initiatives by libraries to digitize and preserve cultural artifacts for broader accessibility, stressing the importance of collaborations with cultural institutions to enhance these efforts.

The second speaker, Dra. Djaliati Sri Nugrahani, M.A., Chairperson of UGM Museum Management, delivered a presentation on "The Role of Museums in Preserving National Cultural Heritage and Supporting SDGs." She explained how museums serve as guardians of cultural heritage, providing educational resources and fostering identity and continuity within communities. Dra. Nugrahani also discussed the role of museums in promoting sustainable tourism, aligning with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by attracting visitors and educating them about cultural heritage, thereby contributing to local economies and sustainable development.

The third speaker, Waluyo, S.S., M.Hum, Chair of the Archives and Information Records Management Program at UGM Vocational School, presented on "The Role of Higher Education Archives in Preserving National Cultural Heritage and Supporting SDGs". He underscored the importance of sound archiving practices in preserving historical records essential for research and education. Mr. Waluyo highlighted the need for higher education institutions to invest in modern archival technologies and training programs to ensure the sustainability and accessibility of cultural records. He also emphasized the role of archives in supporting SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by maintaining transparent and accountable records. In his presentation, he stressed the significance of cultural heritage preservation as a means to support sustainable cities and communities, central to SDG 11. He underscored that higher education archive institutions play a crucial role in documenting and safeguarding cultural artifacts, historical records, and other essential materials reflecting the cultural identity of the nation.

The seminar concluded with a lively panel discussion, where speakers addressed audience questions and shared additional insights into challenges and opportunities in cultural preservation. The event was attended by academics, students, and professionals from various cultural and educational institutions.

UGM Library and Archives hopes that this seminar will inspire further collaboration and innovation in cultural preservation, contributing to the achievement of SDGs. The event emphasized the importance of integrating cultural heritage preservation into broader development agendas, ensuring that future generations can enjoy and appreciate our rich cultural heritage.

Contributor: Farah Zayyinah Faiqotulhimmah