Page 29 - ICA PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2023

9/27/23, 10:06 AM ICA Congress announces activities of its 19th edition titled ‘Enriching Knowledge Societies’ UAE is the first country in Middle East…
28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (COP28), which is one of the most prominent events on the international

climate action agenda.

The ICA Congress Abu Dhabi 2023 is expected to witness the attendance of over 5000
participants from over 135 countries represented in Congress, in addition to more than 60
exhibitors. The event will provide a leading platform for communication and exploring horizons

of cooperation among participants from all over the world. It holds special significance this

year, given the escalating investments in archival collection management, digital record
preservation, and public programming within the Middle East region.

His Excellency Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives,
emphasized the significance of the National Library and Archives in safeguarding documentary,

historical, and cognitive materials, as well as facilitating their accessibility. He also highlighted
the congress’s pivotal role in uniting experts, specialists, and stakeholders in the archiving

domain, fostering a dynamic atmosphere for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the
evolution of archival practices through the application of innovative technologies.

His Excellency said: “The National Library and Archives plays a pivotal role in preserving the
UAE’s cultural heritage, by collecting and maintaining documentary and archival materials,

promoting cultural awareness, and facilitating access to knowledge and historical materials for
the public. The main objective of the National Library and Archives is to record the history and

culture of the UAE by preserving documents, manuscripts, photographs, films, and other
artifacts that depict the nation’s rich heritage. Hosting this significant archival event in the UAE

demonstrates the country’s unwavering commitment to cultural heritage preservation and its
recognition of the vital knowledge-sharing role of archives. This initiative is in line with the

UAE’s ongoing efforts to explore innovative technologies and approaches, contributing to the
development of a more sustainable future not only for the archival sector but also for various
other domains.”

The UAE is the first country in the Middle East to host this flagship global event. This event’s

selection of Abu Dhabi as its host city underscores the nation’s unwavering dedication to the
preservation of cultural heritage and the vital role archives play in ensuring access to valuable

information. The National Library and Archives, in particular, stands at the forefront of
safeguarding the cultural heritage, while the ICA Congress serves as a platform to elevate the

significance of archives on an international scale, fostering global cooperation and facilitating
cultural exchange.

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