September 30, 2025

The International Council on Archives is a non-governmental organization, meaning it does not include countries but rather archival institutions and associations, as well as individuals working in the field of archives. The Council comprises a global network of more than 1,400 member institutions from 190 countries, and more than 200 archivists in their personal capacity.

The Council aims to develop the management of and access to documents and archives, as well as the preservation of the archival heritage of humanity worldwide, through the exchange of experience, research, and ideas on professional matters and on the management and organization of archival institutions.

The Council works to achieve the following objectives:

  • Encourage and support the development of archives in all countries in cooperation with governmental bodies and international non-governmental organizations.
  • Develop, organize, and coordinate good practices and standards, as well as other activities in the field of document and archive management.
  • Establish and strengthen relations between archivists from all countries and with all institutions and professional and other structures, both public and private, wherever located, whose activities are related to the management and preservation of documents and archives or the professional training of archivists, particularly through the exchange of information.
  • Facilitate the use of archival documents by making their content widely known and facilitating access to them