Important recommendations issued at the conclusion of the International Conference on Oral History

Muscat, (ST) – The International Conference on Oral History, which concluded its activities today in the Omani Capital, Muscat, announced a set of recommendations which contribute to enhancing the culture of oral history and applying it on the ground.

According to the recommendations, the following will be done:

-Publishing the scientific research works and experiences, presented at the conference, in the series of research and studies issued by the Omani Documents Authority in cooperation with the Syrian “Wathiqat Watan” Foundation.

– Supporting the conduct of more in-depth research and studies on the methodologies and techniques necessary to document oral narratives.

– Continuing to hold international conferences and highlighting the importance of documenting oral history.

– Investing in the topics and methodologies of oral history in empowering the culture of oral history by introducing it into university studies specialized in the humanities, and into curricula in general education.

– Establishing a specialized center on oral history that includes training programs to support the field of oral history with qualified personnel and develop skills and capabilities.

– Strengthening the efforts of the National Records and Archives Authority in cooperation with the Wathiqat Watan Foundation and developing them to include other Arab entities.

– Issuing a scientific guide to the techniques and skills required for oral history.

– Holding cultural and scientific events and activities concerned with oral history to introduce the public to the importance of documenting oral narratives.

– Strengthening academic exchange and cooperation programs, transferring expertise and knowledge, and establishing partnerships between research institutions in the Arab world.

– Issuing an annual journal concerned with studies, research, and translation in the field of oral history.

– Investing in oral documents to support creative industries and publish documentaries in oral history.

– Opening up to digital technology in oral history, developing digital platforms, and using digital analysis tools in all stages of oral history.

The International Conference on Oral History concluded today following three days of lectures, workshops and research discussions, which formed a starting point for joint Arab work concerned with documentation to protect the history and events in Arab countries.

The last session of the lectures, which was chaired by Dr. Aisha bint Hamad Al-Darmaki  included a detailed explanation by the founder and chairperson of the Board of Trustees of “Wathiqat Watan” Foundation, Dr. Bouthaina Shaaban, and the head of the Omani National Documents and Archives Authority, Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Dhuwayani about the experience of the foundation and the authority in the field of documentation and future visions for oral history in the Arab experience.

Raghda Sawas