International Archives Day (IAD) was observed globally on 9 June to highlight the significance of records and archives in safeguarding the rights, identity, and heritage of individuals and societies.
- The day also commemorates the establishment of the International Council on Archives (ICA) on 9th June 1948 in Paris, France.
- 9th June 2025 marks the observance of the 77th anniversary of the ICA.
Note: Archives are documentary records generated as a result of human activities and are preserved for their long-term historical, legal, or administrative value.
International Archives Week(IAW):
The IAD is observed as part of International Archives Week(IAW), which will be celebrated from 09 to 13 June 2025, with the theme ‘#ArchivesAreAccessible -Archives for Everyone’
- The theme was selected based on a global survey involving over 300 participants, reflecting a collective commitment to ensuring inclusive and equitable access to archival resources worldwide.
Background:
i.In 2004, a resolution was adopted at the International Congress in Vienna, Austria, urging the United Nations (UN) to establish a dedicated day for archives.
ii.In 2007, the ICA designated 9th June as IAD to commemorate the founding of ICA on 9th June 1948 under the auspices of Paris (France)-based United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
iii.The first IAD was celebrated in 2008 marking the 60th anniversary of ICA.
iv.Since 2019, the celebration has been extended into International Archives Week (IAW) to promote archives and archivists at the global level.
Significance:
i.To increase public awareness of the significance of records and archives and to inform decision-makers about the role of archives in good governance and development.
ii.To emphasise the importance of archival preservation and accessibility
iii.To showcase rare and historical documents and to enhance the global image and value of the archival profession.
Archives in India – National Archives of India (NAI):
i.The National Archives of India (NAI), under the Ministry of Culture(MoC), is the nodal agency for the implementation of the Public Records Act, 1993 and Public Record Rules, 1997.
ii.It was initially established as the Imperial Records Department (IRD) on 11th March 1891 in Calcutta (now Kolkata, West Bengal, WB).
iii.After India’s independence in 1947, IRD was renamed as NAI and shifted to New Delhi, Delhi in 1911.
iv.NAI houses critical historical documents including private collections, digitised records, and conservation units.
Note: In 2020, NAI celebrated its 130th anniversary by organising an exhibition on the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, commemorating 100 years of the event.
About International Council on Archives (ICA):
The ICA is a global non-governmental organization dedicated to the effective management of records and the preservation, care, and use of archives.
President – Josée Kirps
Headquarters – Paris, France
Established – 1948
