ICA news

Updates from the Expert Group on Advocacy

The ICA is delighted to introduce a new wave of leadership across its global network, following the 2025 Call for Nominations. This year's results reflect the diversity, expertise, and collaborative spirit that continue to drive the ICA forward, with the announcement of a new Vice-President Programme, new Chairs of different ICA groups, and newly elected PCOM Members-at-Large. Paris | 27 November 2025

Following ICA Barcelona 2025, three major new resources are now available to support archivists, institutions, and communities worldwide. These publications, developed by ICA Expert Groups and Working Groups, strengthen archival security, enhance descriptive practices, and promote more inclusive and representative documentary heritage. Paris I 27 November 2025

From 17 to 20 November 2025, the International Council on Archives hosted the regional workshop Thinking Digital in Archives in Dakar, bringing together professionals from across Africa to strengthen digital archival skills, exchange expertise, and explore innovative tools and approaches. The week-long event, organised with key academic and institutional partners, marked an important step in supporting the continent’s transition toward sustainable and inclusive digital recordkeeping practices. Paris I 26 November 2025

The International Council on Archives expresses its full support for the Blue Shield’s urgent appeal to protect Sudan’s cultural heritage amid ongoing conflict. Historic sites, archives, and sacred spaces are at risk, and ICA joins the call for all parties to uphold international law and safeguard the cultural memory of affected communities. Paris I 25 November 2025

ICA’s SAGDAA-WG has published a new Declaration on LGBTQI+ and Sex-Affective and Gender Diversity Archives and Archivists, reaffirming the need to recognise, preserve, and make visible LGBTQI+ histories. It outlines key principles to ensure inclusive representation and strengthen collaboration between institutions and community archives. 25 November 2025 I Paris

Today, we are pleased to present the sixth interview of the Beyond Theory project in 2025. The interview features David Larsen, a journalist and photographer by profession, who founded Africa Media Online in 2000. The interview was conducted by Lerato Tshabalala.

The International Council on Archives (ICA) Congress 2025, held in Barcelona, was a vibrant platform for professionals in the archival field to engage in discussions, share knowledge, and collaborate on global challenges. The Photographic and Audiovisual Archives Expert Group (PAAG) played a key role throughout the event, demonstrating its commitment to the preservation, access, and creative reuse of audiovisual heritage. Through a series of impactful sessions and activities, PAAG furthered its mission of fostering international cooperation and advancing best practices for safeguarding audiovisual memory. 5 November 2025