The day opened with a rich exploration of advocacy, human rights, and digital preservation. Morning sessions highlighted how archives safeguard memory while serving as tools for justice, accountability, and societal resilience. In the Advocacy, Professional Networks, and Rights-Based Archival Practice session, presentations showcased the critical role of professional partnerships, from international collaboration to defending archival access and transparency. The ICA Section on Archives and Human Rights (SAHR) presented the** Truth and Reconciliation Mechanisms Archives Locator Project**, revealing a platform that maps, preserves, and facilitates access to global truth and reconciliation records. Access to corporate archives to prevent human rights abuses was also explored, emphasizing archivists’ role in promoting accountability beyond government contexts.

Later that morning, keynote speaker Alan Cobley explored how colonialism and imperialism have deeply influenced record keeping in the Caribbean, often to the detriment of indigenous archival traditions. Introducing the concept of decoloniality, Cobley emphasized the need not only to reinterpret colonial records but also to restore value to indigenous memory systems. He discussed the role of reparations in supporting fragile Caribbean archives and reflected on the opportunities and risks presented by digitization and Generative AI, asking how these technologies might contribute to a more equitable and inclusive archival future in the region.

Throughout the congress, the ICA stand remained a lively hub. Participants from around the world explored ICA publications, resources, and initiatives, while a popular photo booth allowed delegates to capture memories of the Congress, highlighting ICA’s role as a center for networking and engagement. Beyond the stand, the Exhibition Hall brought together a wide range of partners showcasing their products and organizations, while speakers presented their research and project posters, creating an interactive space for learning, dialogue, and inspiration.

The ICA/FAN Lunch, hosted thanks to the support of FamilySearch, offered an informal space for networking and reflection, allowing participants to connect across countries and institutions before afternoon sessions.

Later, the focus shifted to Community and Indigenous Archives, resonating with the 2025 International Archives Week subtheme: Inclusion and Representation in Archival Practices. Presentations highlighted the role of community archives in preserving local history and amplifying marginalized voices. AMBA in Canada demonstrated how volunteer-led archives balance traditional preservation with digitization and public engagement, while BIG Archives showed how a private architectural firm used its model and digital archives to document built and unbuilt environments, connecting communities with cultural and spatial heritage. Indigenous archival futures were also explored, including repatriation, sovereignty, and frameworks such as the ICA Tandanya-Adelaide Declaration, CARE Principles, and UNDRIP, demonstrating how archives support self-determination and preserve cultural knowledge.

Late-afternoon sessions focused on Strengthening the Profession and Building Collaborations. The session Shaping the Future of Digital Preservation explored ICA and DPC’s collaboration, showcasing initiatives to support professionals in championing digital preservation across networks and regions. Finally, the ICA Expert Group on Advocacy (AEG) discussed translating the Universal Declaration on Archives (UDA) into African languages, highlighting language’s role in preserving local memory, promoting inclusivity, and empowering communities. These presentations emphasized how collaboration, advocacy, and accessibility strengthen archival professionalism and ensure archives remain relevant, inclusive, and impactful.

The day concluded with an unforgettable evening at the ICA Barcelona 2025 Gala Dinner. Held at the Sala Gran of the Museu Marítim de Barcelona, the gala offered participants an opportunity to sample exquisite local cuisine, enjoy musical performances, and connect with archival professionals from across the globe. This celebratory evening provided a vibrant and festive close to a day full of learning, networking, and exchange.

This day offered just a glimpse of the many events, sessions, and activities that took place during 29 October at ICA Barcelona 2025. A full overview of everything that happened can be explored in the official programme.