The International Council on Archives (ICA) is pleased to announce the results of the 2025 Call for Nominations, following a global process launched in February 2025 and the internal elections held across ICA groups. This year’s nominations sought to fill key leadership roles, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to professional excellence, regional representation, and forward-looking archival practice.
Introducing the New Vice-President Programme (2025–2029): Dr. Hamad Abdulla Al-Mutairi
Following a review conducted by the ICA Executive Board in May 2025, Dr. Hamad Abdulla Al-Mutairi, from the National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates, has been appointed as Vice-President Programme for the 2025–2029 term.
To mark the beginning of his mandate following the 2025 General Assembly, Hamad shared his thoughts on the priorities and vision of the ICA Programme.
Priorities for the 2025–2029 Mandate
It is indeed a great honour to occupy the position of Vice-President Programme. My main priority is to build upon the legacy of my predecessors and continue to build bridges for knowledge. Uppermost in my mind is the ICA community as a whole and the part that PCOM can play to strengthen and empower that community, while expanding regional engagement and ensuring that archival institutions from all parts of the world have opportunities to participate and contribute to a meaningful and productive programme of work.
The Impact of Emerging Technologies and AI
Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, were a key subtheme of the ICA Congress Abu Dhabi 2023 and continued as a central theme during our recent Congress in Barcelona. These technologies will inevitably shape the future of archival practice, as archives remain the repositories of knowledge.
The ICA must maintain its place at the forefront of this and play a vital role in guiding the profession through the transformations brought about by technological innovation. Our goal is to ensure that technology is harnessed in ways that uphold archival integrity and strengthen professional practice. As the peak international organisation for archives and records, the most important responsibility for the ICA is strategic planning for the adoption of new technologies. In this mission, one word captures our focus: readiness.
Strengthening Global Collaboration and Capacity-Building
As members of the archival community, we in PCOM believe that stronger communication is the foundation of meaningful collaboration—and collaboration, in turn, is what drives impactful results. We recognise that this communication must take place across multiple levels and channels, building capacity on many fronts.
We will strengthen regional partnerships by supporting branches and coordinated initiatives.
We will expand capacity-building opportunities by offering accessible training—virtual and in-person—tailored to the real needs of archivists worldwide, with a focus on digital preservation and standards implementation.
And we will enhance knowledge exchange by fostering platforms where professionals can collaborate with ease, through communities of practice, cross-regional projects, and multilingual publications that ensure inclusivity and equal access.
Ultimately, my plan is to create a more connected ICA—an ICA where expertise flows freely across borders, where innovation is shared openly, and where every region plays a vital role in shaping the future of our profession.
New Chairs of Professionals Sections and Expert Groups
The ICA is also pleased to announce the appointment of new Chairs for several Professional Sections and Expert Groups this year. These leaders will guide the projects and initiatives of these important collaborative spaces, where ICA members with shared professional interests and activities come together to advance the organisation’s mission, promote best practices, and strengthen cooperation across the global archival community.
Professional Sections
- ICA/SAFT: Henri Zuber
- ICA/SAHR: Jens Boel
- ICA/SBA: Henning Morgen
- ICA/SIO: Zoe Dickinson
- ICA/SPO: Doudou Sall Gaye
Expert Groups
- ICA/EGAD: Florence Clavaud
- ICA/EGSAH: Laureano Macedo
- ICA/EGIM: Kirsten Thorpe, Narissa Timbery, and Hinerangi Himiona
- ICA/EGRSO: Tshepho Mosweu
- ICA/PAAG: Natālija Lāce
New PCOM Members-at-Large (2026–2029)
Twelve eligible nominations were received for the two PCOM Member-at-Large positions. During the election period—5 May to 2 June 2025—1,421 ICA members in good standing were invited to vote, with a participation rate of 25.9%. The ICA is pleased to welcome:
- Paolo Cecconi, Chemnitz City Archives (Germany)
- Sarah Negumbo, National Archives of Namibia (Namibia)
These appointments mark an important step in strengthening ICA’s global leadership, reinforcing our shared commitment to collaboration, innovation, and professional excellence. We look forward to working closely with all newly appointed leaders and thank our members for their ongoing engagement and trust in this collective endeavour.
