Dear Colleague,
 
These are indeed very interesting times for all of us in the field of Archives and Records Management. 
 
There is no topic more fundamental to modern society than information – who holds it, who can access it and how it’s used.  At the very centre of this issue are the Archives, the custodians of society’s memory, and these unprecedented challenges are forcing us all to re-think our skills, our methods and our obligations that best prepare us to deliver the services that will meet the requirements of both government and civil society – now and into the future.
 
These are exciting times, but also quite complex. Today’s archivist must make choices and decisions in an environment that is subject to constant change; responding to a growing demand for the information we hold, balancing responsibilities of privacy and public interest, while taking every opportunity offered by the “digital disruption”.
As professional archivists and records managers therefore we must keep informed and educated, and as part of an active international community we need also to share our ideas with our peers. This is why ICA Congress 2016 is so important and why it is such an essential event on our professional calendar.
 
This is an opportunity not to be missed.  An opportunity to be part of a conversation with international experts at the very leading edge of a fast moving and fascinating set of themes and topics.  Our host, the National Archives of Korea, have prepared a venue and cultural programme that is world class and will offer a unique setting for international networking and sharing of knowledge and ideas; building the  professional intelligence we each need to be leaders in our field.
 
So again I encourage you to register now for the Congress, and to encourage your colleagues engaged in records and information management to also join this major event.
 
I look forward to seeing you in Seoul!