Port Authority of Kribi participates in the 19th ICA World Congress in Abu Dhabi

From 9 to 13 October 2023, Abu Dhabi hosted the 19th International Council on Archives (ICA) Congress under the theme “Enriching Knowledge Societies.” The Port Authority of Kribi had the privilege of participating in this major global forum alongside close to 5,000 delegates from 135 nations.

The congress took place at the state-of-the-art Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, an exceptional venue featuring multiple auditoriums capable of accommodating more than 5,000 people each, 21 breakout rooms, extensive hospitality facilities, and more than 1,800 hotel rooms.

The opening ceremony was marked by a keynote address from former French President François Hollande, following welcome remarks by the ICA leadership and the President of the United Arab Emirates, Emir of Abu Dhabi.

Throughout the week, delegates attended workshops, panel discussions, demonstrations, and networking activities covering every dimension of archival and records management. One of the key concepts highlighted was archivalization, understood as the conscious or unconscious decision — influenced by cultural, social, political, or organizational factors — that determines what is deemed worthy of preservation.
This concept goes beyond mere records management and illustrates how the creation, selection, and conservation of information are deeply rooted in institutional culture and societal values.

Discussions made it clear that the digital revolution is fundamentally reshaping archival practice. To increase their value, archival and records management institutions must now embrace knowledge management strategies supported by technological innovation, including artificial intelligence.
Participants also emphasized the significance of open data and big data, which have rapidly moved beyond the archival sector to become critical tools for transparency, public access to information, and national governance.

In parallel with the congress proceedings, participants enjoyed cultural events showcasing the heritage and dynamism of the United Arab Emirates. These included a gala reception at the Emirates Palace, an opera performance, as well as guided visits to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the UAE National Archives, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and the Abrahamic Family House, a landmark interfaith complex.

The Port Authority of Kribi’s participation in the ICA World Congress provided invaluable exposure to emerging best practices and reaffirmed the importance of strengthening knowledge management systems.
It was a memorable, enriching experience and a meaningful step forward in positioning Kribi as a modern and forward-thinking institution within the global information ecosystem.