The UNESCO Jikji Prize

(Image from Wikimedia Commons, 2011)

When I first visited the website of the National Library of the Czech Republic, under the 'About Us' heading I saw 'NL Jikji Prize winner' and wondered what this meant. Following the link led me to some impressive photographs but I still didn't find out what this prize was. There were more links to follow and I was led to the UNESCO website and also a link to the acceptance speech made by the Director of the National Library at the time, Vlastimil Jezek.

What I found on the UNESCO website was that they created a programme called Memory of the World in 1992. The Programme Background tells us that

"Impetus came originally from a growing awareness of the parlous state of preservation of, and access to, documentary heritage in various parts of the world. War and social upheaval, as well as severe lack of resources, have worsened problems which have existed for centuries. Significant collections worldwide have suffered a variety of fates. Looting and dispersal, illegal trading, destruction, inadequate housing and funding have all played a part. Much has vanished forever; much is endangered. Happily, missing documentary heritage is sometimes rediscovered." UNESCO (1995-2011).

The Memory of the World Register was founded in 1995.
"The Memory of the World Register lists documentary heritage which has been recommended by the International Advisory Committee, and endorsed by the Director-General of UNESCO, as corresponding to the selection criteria regarding world significance and outstanding universal value." UNESCO (1995-2011).

Have a look at the full list of registered heritage here.

"In April 2004 UNESCO’s Executive Board approved the establishment of the UNESCO/Jikji Memory of the World Prize as a means of promoting the Memory of the World Programme and commemorating the inscription of the Jikji, or the "Buljo jikji simche yojeol”, the oldest existing book made through movable metal print." UNESCO (1995-2011)

On September 2nd 2005, the National Library of the Czech Republic was the first recipient of the Jikji Memory of the World Prize.The prize giving ceremony took place in Cheongju in the Republic of Korea. The prize is US$30,000. It is awarded biennially to individuals or organizations that have made a significant contribution to the preservation and accessibility of documentary heritage.

Interestingly, the National Library of Australia was shortlisted in 2005 and this year the recipient was the National Archives of Australia.

References
(Due to formatting issues there is an extra space either side of the web address)
National Library of the Czech Republic 2006, National Library of the Czech Republic, viewed 10 October 2011, < http://www.nkp.cz/_en/index.php3 >.

National Library of the Czech Republic - the first prestigious UNESCO/Jikji Prize winner 2005, National Library of the Czech Republic, viewed 10 October 2011, < http://www.nkp.cz/pages/page.php3?page=nkcr_jikji.htm >.

UNESCOPRESS 2005, Czech National Library to receive UNESCO/Jikji Memory of the World Prize, awarded for the first time this year, UNESCO, viewed 10 October 2011, < http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=28683&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html >.

Memory of the World 1995-2011, UNESCO, viewed 10 October, < http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communication-and-information/flagship-project-activities/memory-of-the-world/about-the-programme/ >.

'File:Korean book-Jikji-Selected Teachings of Buddhist Sages and Seon Masters-1377.jpg' [image] in Images from Bibliotheque nationale de France n.d., Wikimedia Commons, viewed 10 October, < http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Korean_book-Jikji-Selected_Teachings_of_Buddhist_Sages_and_Seon_Masters-1377.jpg >.