The purpose of the UNESCO/Jikji Memory of the World Prize is to commemorate the inscription of the Buljo jikji simche yojeol, the oldest existing book of movable metal print in the world, on the Memory of the World Register, and to reward efforts contributing to the preservation and accessibility of documentary heritage as a common heritage of humanity.
Established in 2004, the UNESCO/Jikji Memory of the World Prize rewards individuals or organisations for outstanding efforts towards the preservation and accessibility of documentary heritage.
The Prize was created to commemorate the inscription of the Buljo jikji simche yojeol, the oldest known book of moveable metal print in the world, on the Memory of the World International Register.
The winner is announced by the UNESCO Director-General, following the recommendation of a jury of five members, drawn from the Bureau of the International Advisory Committee of the Memory of the World Programme.
The National Library of the Czech Republic was awarded the first UNESCO/Jikji Memory of the World Prize in 2005. Dating back to 1348, the library is home to more than 6 million volumes, many of which are unique and record the history of the Czech lands and the wider world.
In 2016 the prize was awarded to the Iberarchivos Programme for the Development of Ibero-Ameran Archives. Iberarchivos promotes cooperation and integration among Ibero-American countries, strengthening links among professionals and boosting capacity. It has also promoted a wide range of different types of Ibero-American archives, including national and municipal archives, human rights institutions and indigenous peoples.