SWARBICA Meeting Highlights Archival Collaboration
The recent Executive Body Meeting of the South and West Asian Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (SWARBICA) took place on February 20-21, 2025. This two-day event was inaugurated by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the Minister for Tourism and Culture of India. The meeting was hosted at the India International Centre in New Delhi by the National Archives of India. This gathering marked a significant moment for archival institutions across the region, as it was the first meeting in eight years, following the last one held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in 2017.
Attendance and Participation
The meeting saw participation from various countries in the region. Representatives from the National Archives of Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka attended both the inaugural and business sessions. The National Archives of Pakistan participated online, while the National Archives of Iran was unable to attend due to visa complications. This diverse attendance underscores the importance of collaboration among archival institutions in South and West Asia.
The Chief Guest, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, emphasized the shared cultural and religious heritage among SWARBICA member countries. He highlighted the need for exchange programs and training in digital preservation and archival conservation. These initiatives aim to strengthen collaboration and enhance the preservation of archival materials across the region.
Focus on Digital Preservation
A key highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Shri Arun Singhal, the Director General of the National Archives of India and Treasurer of SWARBICA. He provided an in-depth overview of the digitization efforts undertaken by the National Archives of India. This presentation was crucial in showcasing how digital technologies can enhance the accessibility and preservation of archival records.
The discussions during the meeting reflected a growing recognition of the importance of digital preservation in the archival field. As more records are created in digital formats, the need for effective strategies to manage and preserve these materials becomes increasingly urgent. The meeting served as a platform for sharing best practices and exploring innovative solutions to common challenges faced by archival institutions.
Upcoming Seminar on AI in Archives
In addition to the Executive Body Meeting, the National Archives of India is set to host a seminar titled “Using AI for Digital Preservation in Archives” on February 21, 2025. This seminar will delve into the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing digital preservation efforts. Experts from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and SAMHiTA (International Research Division, India International Centre, New Delhi) will participate as resource persons.
The seminar aims to highlight the significance of AI technologies in the archival field. It will explore various applications of AI, including automated cataloging, data analysis, and predictive preservation strategies. By bringing together experts from different countries, the seminar will foster dialogue and collaboration on the use of AI in archival practices.
The Legacy of SWARBICA
The South and West Asian Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (SWARBICA) serves as an essential platform for archivists in the region. Established in 1976, SWARBICA aims to enhance professional relations and promote archival preservation across member countries. The organization provides a framework for collaboration, enabling archivists to share knowledge and resources.
The idea for SWARBICA originated in 1973 during an Executive Committee Meeting of the International Council on Archives in Brussels, Belgium. Since its inception, SWARBICA has played a vital role in supporting the development of archival practices in South and West Asia. The recent meeting and upcoming seminar reflect the ongoing commitment of SWARBICA to foster collaboration and innovation in the field of archives.
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