The Latin American Regional Branch (ALA, by its acronym in Spanish) was established on 6 April 1973 in Lima, Peru, as a professional and cultural non-profit organisation. It is recognised as one of the most active regional branches of the International Council on Archives (ICA).
ALA currently brings together 19 countries, extending its scope to the Ibero-American region with the inclusion of the Philippines.
ALA seeks to encourage communication and cooperation among all sectors of the archival community in its member countries. Its activities include organising congresses, seminars, and international meetings; establishing agreements and other cooperation mechanisms among archival authorities and national and international organisations; disseminating up-to-date archival standards and studies adapted to regional contexts; and, more broadly, undertaking initiatives that support the achievement of its objectives.
In recent years, the Ibero-American archival community has experienced significant growth in the development of archival practice, supported by effective collaboration among its members. In this context, ALA plays a leading role in organising events that foster knowledge acquisition, as well as the exchange of ideas and professional experiences.
Mission
To strengthen the overall development of archives and archival professionals, promote the management and protection of documentary heritage, and support access to information through regional cooperation initiatives.
Vision
The Latin American Regional Branch (ALA) aims to be a consolidated and innovative space, recognised as a reference within the international archival community and as a forum for archival organisations and professionals to reflect, exchange, and generate knowledge.
