Abu Dhabi: The International Council on Archives (ICA) Congress, under the theme ‘’Enriching Knowledge Societies,’ has successfully concluded in Abu Dhabi.
The congress, held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, brought together more than 3,000 experts and specialists from more than 135 countries.
The closing ceremony started with a session entitled ‘Stainable knowledge and a sustainable planet: archives, records, and climate change.’ The session was attended by Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and Chief Executive Officer of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA).
Sheikha Shamma highlighted the importance of archiving and its significant role in shaping and enriching knowledge societies. The CEO underlined the critical role played by experts and archivists in safeguarding cultural and historical heritage, further partaking in a special tour at the exhibitors’ pavilion and acquainting herself with the latest modern archival technologies and products that contribute to the preservation and provision of cultural and historical material.
Dr. Abdullah Al Raisi, Cultural Adviser at the UAE Presidential Court and Chairman of the Higher Organization Committee of the 19th ICA Congress, commented that the congress reflects the UAE’s commitment to supporting and developing archival work, preserving human and cultural heritage, and empowering young people to make decisions and shape a more sustainable future for the archival sector.
Mr. Abdullah Majid Al Ali, as Director-General of the National Library and Archives, stressed the importance of the role of the Archive and the National Library in preserving the nation’s memory with the cultural and knowledge it contains that enriches societies.
Ms. Josée Kirps, President of International Council on Archives, thanked the UAE for bringing a galaxy of international archives experts under one roof. Ms. Kirps further expressed her gratitude to Sheikh Mansour for his patronage of the congress, the largest of its kind in the region.