On Wednesday 29 October, the programme will bring together stories and perspectives that illustrate how archives serve as vibrant, living instruments – forging links between communities, safeguarding cultural diversity, protecting rights, and questioning established narratives through a critical lens.
The morning sessions will celebrate the diversity of voices represented in archives. They will feature projects in Indigenous and Afro-descendant territories, explore the pivotal role of women archivists in times of conflict, and examine how community archives assert their own narratives alongside official accounts. Delegates can also look forward to sessions on immersive technologies, gamification, and the application of artificial intelligence to archival practice.
The day’s keynote address will be delivered by Alan Cobley, a distinguished historian and academic whose long career has been closely tied to the University of the West Indies (UWI) in Barbados, where he is Emeritus Professor of History.
Archives as guardians of history
The afternoon will continue the exploration of the links between archives, place, and justice. Presentations from Latin America, Europe, and Africa will demonstrate how archives can become powerful tools for advocacy, redress, and activism. From documenting disappearances during dictatorships, to preserving the memory of neighbourhoods in transition, to protecting the cultural identity of Indigenous peoples, the day will be rich in accounts that connect past and present.
Institutional perspectives will also take centre stage, with sessions organised by the Forum of National Archivists (FAN) of the International Council on Archives (ICA) and its Fund for International Development of Archives (FIDA). These will address topics ranging from the changing role of National Archives to the value of international collaboration across the sector. The day will conclude with a lively poster space, offering the chance to discover dozens of visual projects – many created by emerging professionals or grassroots collectives.
You can explore the full list of sessions and activities for this day in the preliminary programme, now available on the official website of the International Archives Congress – ICA Barcelona 2025.
