The day opened with the ICA New Professionals session, which showcased the 2025 cohort’s resource guide mapping traditional and alternative archival practices. Presentations explored how archivists are rethinking long-standing approaches to make the profession more inclusive, ethical, and sustainable. The session offered practical tools, research insights, and inspiring examples from over 20 countries, emphasising collaboration and the creative potential of emerging professionals.
Running concurrently, the Archives in Times of Conflict panel highlighted the Ukrainian Archives Digitization Project, a multi-year initiative led by ICA and international partners to safeguard Ukraine’s cultural heritage amid war. Presenters shared practical strategies for emergency digitization, digital preservation, and capacity building, alongside poignant firsthand accounts of archivists’ resilience under extraordinary conditions. The discussions illustrated how international cooperation and innovation can ensure archives remain a foundation for memory, identity, and hope even in times of crisis.
Later in the morning, the Preserving Identities session explored how archives serve as dynamic spaces for safeguarding memory and culture. Projects included the conservation of the Figtree Parish Register in Nevis, balancing colonial legacies with amplifying the voices of enslaved and freed communities, the Johnson Publishing Company Archive in the United States, highlighting African American cultural heritage through millions of photographs and records, and research on the destruction of Palestinian archives, illustrating the intersection of memory, identity, and resistance. These presentations emphasised the transformative power of archives to preserve identities and foster inclusive historical narratives.
The afternoon began with the ICA Congress opening ceremony, celebrating the global archival community and the shared commitment to collaboration and innovation. This was followed by a keynote presentation on AI in archives by Mercè Crosas, exploring how artificial intelligence can transform archival exploration, analysis, and research. The session highlighted the importance of preparing archives to be AI-ready while upholding principles of transparency, reusability, and open science, inspiring delegates to envision archives as active tools for knowledge advancement.
Among the many parallel sessions held throughout the afternoon, the ICA Forum of Professional Associations (FPA) session – Sustainable and Successful Professional Associations highlighted strategies that enable professional associations to thrive. Representatives from associations across the globe shared lessons learned in governance, financial sustainability, membership engagement, professional development, and advocacy.
The day culminated in the ICA General Assembly 2025, the highest decision-making body within ICA, held onsite in Barcelona and online. This Assembly set strategic directions, oversaw Council management, and approved key operational decisions. A highlight of the session was the presentation of the next ICA Strategic Plan (2026–2029), which was overwhelmingly adopted with 243 votes in favour, representing 97.32% approval. Dr Hamad Al Mutairi, Director of the Archives Department at the National Archives of the UAE, was introduced as the new Vice-President (Programme), following Meg Philips in the role. He emphasised his commitment to advancing the archival field, stating, “I hope to continue to work on promoting the usage of technology and support capacity building events and make sure to promote the right of our community.”
The General Assembly also heard reports from ICA’s Forum of Professional Associations (FPA), celebrating achievements and announcing the upcoming 50th anniversary of the FPA. The draft budget for 2026 was approved with strong support, receiving 95.85% of votes in favour. Delegates were presented with a preview of the 2027 ICA Conference in Sarawak, Malaysia described as “one of the best-kept secrets,” with a warm invitation to experience the region’s rich culture and natural beauty.
Ethical concerns were addressed, with ICA officers condemning the destruction of Palestinian archives and affirming the organisation’s commitment to preserving documentary heritage in vulnerable communities. Personal testimonies highlighted the impact of ICA bursaries, including the story of one member who reflected, “I am a bursary recipient, and thanks to this support, I was able to attend the Congress. There are many initiatives for African communities, and ICA is clearly aware of the economic challenges faced by people in Africa.” noting that 34 bursaries enabled wider participation from African archivists.
The 2025 General Assembly exemplified ICA’s mission to unite the global archival community, foster inclusivity, and ensure that archives continue to safeguard memory, identity, and knowledge for generations to come.
This day offered just a glimpse of the many events, sessions, and activities that took place during 28 October at ICA Barcelona 2025. A full overview of everything that happened can be explored in the official programme.
