A New Voice for a Global Charter
First adopted by UNESCO in 2011, the Universal Declaration on Archives (UDA) affirms the vital role of archives in supporting democracy, human rights, and collective memory. With the release of this Esperanto version, the Declaration is now accessible to a community that has always been rooted in ideals of neutrality, cooperation, and mutual respect across cultures.
Esperanto was created in 1887 by L. L. Zamenhof as la Lingvo Internacia (“the International Language”), a politically neutral, easy-to-learn language designed to encourage global communication. More than a century later, it continues to be actively used by a worldwide community as a bridge for dialogue and shared understanding.
Bringing the UDA into Esperanto
The translation into Esperanto was prepared by Rubèn Fernández Asensio and officially reviewed and certified by the Language Committee of Esperanta Civito, ensuring fidelity to both the meaning and the spirit of the original Declaration.
Photo credits: Jozef Baláž
This effort highlights the ICA’s ongoing commitment, led by the Expert Group on Advocacy (AEG), to making the UDA available in as many languages as possible, affirming its universal reach and inclusivity.
Sharing the Declaration with the Esperanto Community
The Esperanto UDA was first introduced to the public at the Spanish Esperanto Congress, where it was presented in a dedicated session that sparked engaging dialogue about archives and cultural memory. The next milestone in its promotion was the World Esperanto Congress in Brno, Czech Republic, in July 2025, where the Esperanto UDA was showcased to an international audience of Esperanto speakers.
Why It Matters
By joining the Universal Declaration on Archives, Esperanto strengthens its role as a language of peace, cooperation, and shared values. The new translation ensures that the principles of the UDA—about access to information, protection of archives, and the right to memory—resonate with yet another global audience.
