A month-long initiative inviting Wikipedia contributors to enhance public knowledge of humanity’s documentary heritage. Parcitipants will focus on improving coverage of the UNESCO Memory of the World (MoW) International Register across Wikipedia and Wikidata, helping to increase the visibility and accessibility of these invaluable records.
What is the Challenge?
From 1 to 30 September 2025 (UTC), Wikipedians can earn points for creating or improving Wikipedia and Wikidata entries related to the MoW International Register. Contributions will be rewarded with points, and top participants will receive recognition with books and other prizes.
Participation is open to all contributors with a registered Wikipedia account, in all languages. Interested individuals can take part by signing up in the Participants section.
Why Participate?
The Memory of the World Challenge 2025 affirms UNESCO’s commitment to preserving documentary heritage and promoting universal access to knowledge. Organized in partnership with the Khalili Foundation and Wikimedia UK, this initiative builds upon prior efforts to integrate the International Register into Wikidata and improve related Wikipedia content.
The impact of these efforts is already visible: images associated with the MoW Register on Wikipedia now receive around 70 million views per month. This underscores both the cultural significance of the Register and the critical role Wikimedia platforms play in making it accessible to a global audience.
How to Contribute
Target articles may include:
- MoW inscriptions (examples: UNRWA Photo and Film Archives of Palestinian Refugees; Saiva Manuscript in Pondicherry; Collection of Mexican Codices)
- Institutions nstitution where a MoW inscription is located (examples: Museo de la Memoria de Rosario mentioning Human Rights Documentary Heritage 1976 – 1983, Centre of Arab and Mediterranean Music, Sidi Bou Saïd mentioning The Music holdings in Baron Rodolphe d’Erlanger’s archives (1910-1932) )
- People or events connected to MoW inscriptions (examples: Komitas Vardapet mentioning Works of Komitas Vardapet; Abhinavagupta mentioning Collection of Manuscripts of his works)
More details on target articles and guidance on using the International Register can be found in the Beginner’s guide to the UNESCO Memory of the World International Register website.
Points are awarded as follows:
+1 point for each label added to any of these Wikidata items in a new language
+2 pointsforadding a link to an inscription in the Memory of the World International Register from a relevant Wikipedia article
+5 pointsforcreating a newarticle (including translations) that mentions a Memory of the World inscription and links to the relevant entry in the International Register
+25 pointsfor a new list article about the Memory of the World International Register in anylanguage.
With 570 inscriptions in the International Register today, there are extensive opportunities to enhance coverage and bring global documentary heritage into the spotlight. By participating in the Memory of the World Challenge 2025, contributors play an essential role in highlighting humanity’s shared memory and promoting intercultural dialogue.
Additional links:
- Sign up in the Participants section
- Memory of the World Challenge 2025 – Wikimedia page
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- More UN Competitions and Contests