Thematic axes of the national conference

 
  • The National Archives Management Policy in Morocco: Towards a Shared Archival Vision ;
  • Regional Archives as drivers for Local Democracy and Territorial Development ;
  • Private Archives in Morocco: Challenges and Prospects for Integration into the National Heritage ;
  • Vision, Governance, and Legal Framework of archives ;
  • Digitization, Artificial Intelligence, and Archival Innovation;
  • Archives & CCI: Contributions to the Knowledge Economy;
  • Archives as a source of knowledge and a tool for academic research ;
  • Training and qualifications for archival professions in Morocco ;
  • International cooperation, archival sovereignty and partnerships.

Discussion panels

 
1. Context

The rational management, sustainable conservation, and methodical enhancement of the national archival heritage constitute major strategic challenges for any State concerned with preserving its collective memory and consolidating the principles of transparency in the management of public affairs.

In this context, the promulgation of Law No. 69.99 relating to archives, accompanied by its implementing decree No. 2.14.267 and the reference guide for the management of public archives, marked a founding turning point that redefined the contours of the archival field in Morocco. These texts laid the legal and organizational foundations that made the institution “Archives of Morocco” a central player in the protection of the national memory.

The legislator entrusted this institution with the mission of establishing standards relating to the operations of collection, sorting, disposal, classification, description, preventive conservation, restoration, and transfer of archives to dedicated media. However, the implementation of this mission still faces several obstacles, clearly highlighted by the current diagnosis, notably the absence of uniform archival practices and the non-compliance, by several public administrations and establishments, with the legal provisions governing archives management. These shortcomings hinder the effective application of standards and weaken their impact, whereas they constitute an essential lever to guarantee the quality, credibility, and sustainability of archival practices.

At the same time, the lack of specialized training represents one of the main obstacles to establishing a culture of standardization of norms in the archives field. Indeed, university curricula still pay limited attention to the technical and organizational aspects related to international standards, which affects the ability of managers to apply them. Similarly, the low awareness among officials and decision-makers of the importance of harmonizing archival practices undermines the understanding of its role as an instrument of good governance.

On an international level, the International Council on Archives (ICA) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) have played a determining role in the development of comprehensive standards constituting references for best archival practices. These have contributed to the unification of concepts and procedures for archives management worldwide. However, Morocco still lags somewhat in the adoption and implementation of these standards, particularly concerning the management of electronic archives, whether born-digital or resulting from digitization processes, as well as in the establishment of electronic archiving systems (EAS) that meet the requirements for consistency between the national legislative framework and contemporary technical practices. This gap accentuates the difference between national practices and cutting-edge international standards.

The success of a national policy for standardizing archival practices therefore requires the adoption of a participatory approach between the various institutional actors. Constructive cooperation and the establishment of effective partnerships between Archives of Morocco, public administrations, universities, and national and international standardization bodies constitute an essential pillar for strengthening the synergy of skills and mobilizing available resources.

In light of these elements, this theme aims to address the question of standardizing archival practices in Morocco, through a diagnosis of their application in the various public administrations and institutions, an assessment of the degree of alignment with international standards, and the identification of challenges to overcome in order to achieve the desired harmonization, while proposing avenues for improvement to ensure the quality and sustainability of archival action.

2. Axes of Discussion

Examining the theme of standardizing archival practices in Morocco will help enrich the scientific debate and deepen reflection on ways to improve and professionalize the sector within the various institutions, with a view to drawing constructive recommendations from the participants, based on the following sub-axes:

1: Diagnostic Assessment of Archival Practices

The analysis of the current context of archival practices is an essential step to assess the level of archives management within public administrations and institutions, and to measure the degree of compliance with recognized professional standards, with a view to overall improvement and alignment with best international practices.

This axis includes in particular:

  • Overview of archival practices in Morocco;
  • Assessment and identification of gaps between current practices and international standards.

2: Harmonization of Archival Standards and Strengthening of Governance

This axis is based on an integrated approach aimed at modernizing the archives field by establishing harmonized professional practices and modern records management systems, thus contributing to the consolidation of the principles of good governance.It addresses in particular:

  • The standardization of archival practices as a lever for good records governance;
  • Harmonization as a guarantee of quality and institutional performance;
  • Records management systems in public establishments between approval requirements and implementation challenges.

3: The international normative framework and its adaptation to the national context

This axis aims to strengthen the standardization of archival practices at the national level through the adaptation of International Council on Archives (ICA) standards to the Moroccan legislative framework. With this in mind, Archives of Morocco is working to develop a national reference encompassing the preparation of unified tools and standards to ensure the quality of archival management.

The aspects covered include:

  • ICA standards and principles and their adaptation to the Moroccan context;
  • The normative mechanisms and tools to be developed and adopted in Morocco;
  • The unification of archival terminology;
  • The harmonization of standards relating to classification plans and retention schedules;
  • The standardization of research tools and metadata (EAD, ISAD(G), ISAAR);
  • The development of model procedural guides for archives creators.

4: Harmonization of Standards in the Context of Digital Transformation

Faced with the major challenge of preserving institutional memory in the digital age, this axis emphasizes the decisive role of standardizing standards for successfully managing this transition:

  • Establishment of a regulatory and normative framework governing digitization, digital preservation, and the authenticity of electronic documents;
  • Development of an electronic archiving system compliant with international standards;
  • Harmonization of records systems through technical and metadata standards;
  • Strengthening the long-term preservation and authenticity of digital archives.

5: Governance, Capacity Building, and National Strategy

This axis addresses the development of archival governance mechanisms, the strengthening of stakeholder skills, and coordination between actors within the framework of an integrated national vision aimed at establishing a sustainable archival policy.It particularly emphasizes:

  • The driving role of Archives of Morocco in the production and dissemination of national reference frameworks;
  • The integration of international standards into university training programs;
  • Raising awareness among officials and decision-makers of the importance of standardization;
  • The establishment of strategic partnerships with international organizations for the exchange of expertise;
  • The implementation of a national standardization strategy adapted to the demands of the digital age;
  • The development of governance, monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms;
  • The adoption of a forward-looking vision for a quality national archival policy, in line with best global practices.
3. Objectives

This theme aims to deepen reflection and broaden perspectives around:

  • Assessing the impact of efforts undertaken by Archives of Morocco in the sustainable implementation of standardizing archival practices in accordance with Law No. 69.99;
  • Studying ways to establish an integrated national normative system, harmonized with international standards and compliant with the Moroccan legislative framework;
  • Proposing continuing education programs to strengthen skills in the field of archival standardization;
  • Creating a permanent coordination and monitoring mechanism between Archives of Morocco and archives creators, in order to guarantee coherence and convergence in the application of standards.

1. Context

Archives constitute one of the essential pillars for rooting the principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability within public institutions, particularly at the territorial level.
With the acceleration of the decentralization process and the strengthening of the role of local authorities in the development and implementation of local public policies, archives appear as a strategic tool enabling the preservation of institutional memory, continuity of public service, and the enhancement of information in the service of development and participatory democracy.
In a context marked by profound changes in the territorial management system in Morocco and by the constitutional consecration of the right of access to information, archives become an indispensable instrument for the realization of this right, and for promoting the participation of citizens and civil society in monitoring and controlling the management of local affairs.

2. Problematic

How can archives be mobilized as a tool for strengthening local democracy and promoting sustainable territorial development?
And what are the ways and mechanisms to be put in place to enable local authorities to manage their archives according to an institutional and scientific approach guaranteeing transparency, continuity of public service, and preservation of local collective memory?

4. Discussion Axes

Archives as a tool for governance and local democracy

  • Archives and the right of access to information
  • Archives as levers for decision-making and the development of territorial development programs
  • Archives as living memory of the territory
  • Archives and preservation of local institutional memory
  • Archives and implementation of the principles of responsibility and accountability

Management of territorial archives: legal and institutional framework

  • Legal and organizational constraints related to local archives management.
  • Archives and the right of access to information and the protection of personal data
  • Archives and judicial security
  • Presentation of successful national and international experiences in territorial archiving.

Enhancement of territorial archives and local tourism development

  • Archives as an instrument for enhancing local heritage and safeguarding collective memory.
  • Exploiting documentary collections in the service of development, cultural, and tourism projects.
  • Innovative and pioneering experiences in electronic archives management.

Digitization and electronic archiving in the service of “smart cities”

  • Digital transformation as a lever for modernizing local archival management.
  • Opportunities and challenges related to the digitization of territorial archives within the framework of the new development model.

3. Objectives

  • Highlight the central role of archives in consolidating territorial governance and strengthening trust between citizens and local institutions.
  • Analyze the current situation of archival management within local authorities, regional and municipal councils.
  • Propose concrete mechanisms for integrating archives into local development planning and management systems.
  • Emphasize the contribution of archives to the sustainability of territorial development through the enhancement of historical, social, and economic data.
  • Raise awareness among elected officials and territorial executives of the importance of archival management in transparency and public accountability.

5. Expected Outcomes

  • Development of operational recommendations to strengthen the capacities of local authorities in archives management and conservation.
  • Proposal of a national vision for integrating archives into local development policies.
  • Creation of cooperation networks between archival institutions and territorial actors.
  • Awareness-raising and training for elected officials and territorial staff on the challenges of contemporary archival science.
1- Context

Private archives constitute an essential component of the national memory. They reflect significant aspects of the country’s political, economic, social, cultural and intellectual history, often absent from or only partially represented in public archives.
In Morocco, these archives—held by individuals, families, companies, political parties, associations, foundations, or cultural actors—remain largely dispersed, insufficiently identified, and inadequately integrated into public archival policies.
In a context marked by institutional transformations, the growing importance of scientific research, the promotion of intangible heritage, and the development of cultural and creative industries, the issue of private archives has become a strategic concern, both in terms of documentary governance and memorial sovereignty.

2- Problem statement

The absence of a clear and incentive-based framework for the collection, preservation, and promotion of private archives raises several challenges:

  • Fragility and risk of disappearance of collections with high historical value;
  • Reluctance among private holders due to concerns related to confidentiality, ownership, and institutional trust;
  • Limited accessibility for academic research and cultural valorization;
  • Lack of formalized partnership mechanisms between the State and private holders.
4- Areas of Discussion
  • Typology and heritage value of private archives;
  • Legal framework: rights, obligations and responsibilities;
  • The role of Archives of Morocco as a reference institution and trusted third party;
  • Issues related to access, confidentiality and ethics;
  • Scientific, cultural and educational valorization of private archives;
  • Contributions of comparative international experiences.
3- Objectives
  • Clarify the notion of private archives and their place within the national archival system.
  • Examine the legal and institutional framework governing their management in Morocco.
  • Identify national and international best practices in the collection and preservation of private archives.
  • Explore models of partnership and valorization (deposit, donation, digitization, shared preservation).
  • Formulate operational recommendations for a national strategy on private archives.
1. Context

Archives hold paramount importance as a vital field whose degree of advancement reflects the level of development of societies. Their value is not limited to a simple heritage dimension: they constitute an essential pillar for the management of state and societal affairs, an indicator of the strengthening of the democratic edifice, as well as a tangible sign of the consecration of the values of transparency and the protection of the rights of individuals and communities.

Moreover, the organization and proper management of archives play a fundamental role in preserving the memory of nations, their identity, their civilization, and their historical continuity. Civilization rests on history, and history finds its source in documents and archives. Thus, the more developed the archival culture, the more it guarantees the protection of identity and history.

Before the promulgation of Law No. 69.99 relating to archives in 2007, the only text that could be considered legislation on the matter was Article 9 of the Dahir of November 1, 1926, which established the General Library as a public institution responsible for receiving administrative documents, collecting documents relating to Morocco, and allowing their consultation.
With Law 69.99, Morocco filled a major legal vacuum in this area and created the institution “Archives of Morocco,” a public establishment responsible for organizing, managing, and preserving the national archival heritage.

The results obtained show that the institution Archives of Morocco has made considerable progress in the conservation of the national archival heritage, the constitution, organization, and making available of public archives for administrative, scientific, social, or cultural purposes. However, the practical application of the existing legal framework continues to face several challenges, still preventing us from speaking of a comprehensive and exemplary legislative system meeting all requirements and developments, whether institutional, legal, or organizational.

On this basis, this axis aims to analyze the institutional and legislative framework of archives in Morocco, to identify its strengths and limitations, and to propose avenues for reform and modernization through the sharing of successful experiences and the adoption of best practices in the field.

2. Discussion Axes

The examination of the institutional and legislative framework of archives in Morocco will enrich the debate and the interventions of the participants in order to formulate concrete recommendations. The proposed sub-axes are as follows:

1. The legislative and regulatory framework for archives

Good governance of the archival sector can only be achieved through effective and appropriate legislation. It is therefore appropriate to assess the relevance and effectiveness of the legal and regulatory texts governing archives, while gathering the views of the stakeholders concerned.
This sub-axis includes in particular:

  • Law No. 69.99 relating to archives: scope, limitations, and application issues;
  • The legal framework governing archives: reform and improvement directions;
  • Harmonization of the archives law with related texts.

2. Institutional governance and national coordination

This axis focuses on the degree of complementarity between the role of the institution Archives of Morocco and the needs for archives management in the country. The aim is to strengthen the effectiveness of this strategic institution, both in its internal functioning and in its relations with its institutional environment and its users.
Discussion points include:

  • The establishment of principles of good governance and coordination mechanisms at the national level;
  • Structures in charge of archives within public administrations between the legal framework and practice;
  • The role of the National Archives Council in raising awareness of the importance of archives.

3. Legal protection of archives

Archives of Morocco has the mission of preserving the national archival heritage, constituting, organizing, and making public archives available. This axis will address the issue of the legal protection of archives as established by the legislator and its implications.
Proposed sub-themes:

  • The legal nature of archives;
  • The legal protection of archives and its effects;
  • The protection regime for archival heritage (historical, scientific, and national value).

4. Archives, transparency, and democratic governance

Transparency constitutes one of the principles stemming from the 2011 Constitution, based on the disclosure of information from its production or receipt, except for exceptions provided for by law.
However, since information is intimately linked to archives, which are its main source and medium, the implementation of transparency depends on rigorous and effective archives management.
This axis will deal in particular with:

  • The link between archives and the right of access to information;
  • Archives, transparency, and participatory democracy.

5. Comparative approach and international standards

This axis aims to highlight comparative international experiences and good practices in the field of archives, as well as their compatibility with the national context.
It will focus in particular on:

  • International comparative approaches to archives (legislation and practices);
  • Integration of international standards and recommendations of the International Council on Archives (ICA).
3. Expected Outcomes

The objectives pursued by the discussion around this axis are:

  • Assess the effectiveness of the legal and institutional framework for archives in Morocco;
  • Propose priorities for reforming the legislative and regulatory framework;
  • Formulate concrete recommendations to strengthen the role of the institution Archives of Morocco and improve coordination between actors in the archival field.
1. Context  

The field of digital archives is undergoing a profound transformation thanks to artificial intelligence technologies. The role of AI is no longer limited to simple digital storage but extends to the organization, understanding, and enhancement of archival content on a large scale.

Digital transformation thus constitutes a historic and pivotal step in the re-engineering of records and archives management methods, where artificial intelligence technologies now occupy a central place in the design of advanced digital infrastructures.

This note provides a general overview of the contributions of artificial intelligence to the enrichment of digital archives through a series of innovative applications, while highlighting the ethical and operational challenges that accompany this change and opening up future perspectives.

This evolution aims to bring about a real shift in the methods of conserving, managing, and enhancing the national archival heritage.

In this context, the archival system faces complex challenges, including:

  • Guaranteeing the security and reliability of digital systems;
  • Ensuring the legal credibility of electronic documentation;
  • Preserving the informational sustainability of documentary collections;
  • Keeping pace with rapid technological developments and the multiplicity of data sources.
2. Central Problematic and Strategic Issue

Main Problematic:

How can digital transformation and artificial intelligence solutions be mobilized as a strategic lever for modernizing and developing the national digital archives system?

Strategic Issue:

Successfully reconciling the requirements of technological innovation with the fundamental values of archival practice, namely:

  • Credibility;
  • Reliability;
  • Rigorous compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.
3. Strategic Axes

a. Legislative Framework and Updating of the Archives Law

  • Modernize Law No. 69.99 to keep pace with digital transformations;
  • Regulate the management of electronic and digital archives;
  • Legally recognize the evidentiary value of digital documents;
  • Define standards for information security and privacy protection.

b. Digital Transformation: Strategic Choice and Implementation Steps

  • Carry out a critical diagnosis of the current state of digitization in institutions;
  • Define the priorities and stages of the digital transformation process;
  • Assess the maturity and capacity of existing infrastructures.

c. Artificial Intelligence and its Applications in Archives Management

  • In-depth study of the role of artificial intelligence in the archival chain;
  • Development of intelligent classification and indexing systems;
  • Creation of thematic directories and advanced search tools.

d. Digital Innovation and Enhancement of Documentary Heritage

  • Explore the possibilities offered by interactive technologies and virtual modeling;
  • Bring documentary heritage to life through digital reconstruction;
  • Foster interaction with researchers, students, and the general public.

e. Issues in Digital Archives Management: Legal and Ethical Dimensions

  • In-depth analysis of legal and ethical issues related to digital management;
  • Focus on personal data protection and cybersecurity;
  • Guaranteeing digital accountability and traceability of actions.
4. Objectives
  • Develop a unified national vision for the development of the digital archives system;
  • Implement an integrated model for integrating artificial intelligence solutions;
  • Strengthen strategic partnerships between Archives of Morocco and actors in the archival sector;
  • Develop training and digital qualification programs for archives professionals.
5. Expected Outcomes
  • National strategic framework for the digital transformation of archives;
  • Unified national platform for archival management;
  • Normative and practical guides for the use of artificial intelligence;
  • Creative digital models for the enhancement of documentary heritage.
1. Context

Archives, in all their forms and diversity, constitute an essential lever for enriching cultural and creative industries as well as for developing a knowledge-based economy.

Archival heritage is not simply a memory kept on shelves: it represents a highly valuable cultural raw material, both symbolic and economic, capable of being transformed, through digital enhancement policies and artistic innovation, into original cultural products (films, exhibitions, publications, digital applications, audiovisual content, etc.).

In a context marked by digital changes and the rise of the creative economy, it becomes imperative to integrate archives within the ecosystem of cultural and creative industries. This involves strengthening partnerships between archival institutions and actors in the fields of cinema, publishing, visual arts, design, and digital media, in order to generate cultural and economic added value.

2. Problematic

How can archives be transformed from simple documentary resources into cultural and creative resources capable of nurturing sustainable cultural development, strengthening national identity, and stimulating artistic and intellectual innovation?
What legal, technical, and institutional mechanisms allow creators and cultural actors to access archival collections and exploit them within the framework of productive projects, while respecting property rights and the historical memory of the documents?

3.  Discussion Axes
  1. Archives as a source of cultural and artistic inspiration:
    • Use of documents, images, and recordings in cinema, theater, literature, visual arts, and media.
  2. Digital transformation and enhancement of archives in cultural industries:
    • Digital platforms, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and reinterpretation of historical memory through new media.
  3. Legal and institutional framework for the exploitation of archives:
    • Intellectual property rights, data protection, and management of licenses and access.
  4. Partnerships and innovation in the enhancement of archives:
    • Cooperation between archival institutions, universities, cultural enterprises, and creators.
  5. Towards a national policy for the enhancement of archives serving the cultural and creative economy.
4. Objectives
  • Highlight the creative and economic value of archives as valuable cultural resources.
  • Encourage cooperation between archival institutions and actors in the creative sectors.
  • Study successful international experiences in the exploitation of archives in cultural industries.
  • Propose concrete mechanisms for innovative and legal use of archives by creators.
  • Contribute to the development of a national vision integrating archives into cultural and development policies.
1.Context

The archive constitutes one of the major foundations of academic research and one of the indispensable instruments for its development and its rise in quality, as a medium of information and a reservoir of accumulated knowledge through the diversity of fields and the plurality of disciplines. However, if the cardinal principle of scientific research consists of relying on evidence allowing prior knowledge to be critiqued and continuously rectified, the archive occupies a nodal position in this system. It does so, on the one hand, through the value of the documentary piece in preserving information, structuring it, and ensuring its reliability; and, on the other hand, through the modalities of access it makes possible and the facilitation of access, thus guaranteeing the circulation of knowledge on methodologically robust bases.

The importance of the archive is further strengthened by the global scope of its cognitive content: it brings together, in a single collection, knowledge and acquisitions from multiple areas of human experience, making it a structuring reference point where sciences and knowledge intersect, regardless of their traditions and approaches. It also constitutes a vector of scientific communication between peoples and a mechanism for the intergenerational transmission of knowledge. Therefore, investing in the archive means concretely investing in the progress of academic research, in improving its operating methods, as well as in enhancing its results and broadening their impact through dissemination, publication, and access, in the service of the common scientific interest and for the benefit of humanity.

Starting from this complementary link, and within the framework of this scientific meeting, a set of challenges emerges that touch the heart of the relationship between the archival system and academic research. These challenges are likely to open new horizons in their areas of intersection and to re-examine both the method and the pace by which researchers interact with archival collections, particularly concerning access to information, the quality of this access, and the effectiveness of exploiting content and mobilizing it for scientific purposes.

Digitization imposes itself, in this context, as one of the most salient challenges, because of its direct effect on enhancing archival heritage and broadening, on a large scale and sustainably, its accessibility for the benefit of researchers. Moroccan academic research is thus closely dependent on the services that digitization offers for obtaining more integrated information, capable of diversifying analytical angles, enriching scientific studies, and strengthening dynamics of cooperation and innovation within the university environment and research centers at the national level.

Achieving this objective, based on openness to archival data, necessarily requires effective engagement in a cooperation project, both nationally and internationally, in the field of archives, and guaranteeing substantial participation by Moroccan researchers in constructing its conditions of possibility. This implies the establishment of an advanced infrastructure, which is not limited to creating digital platforms but extends to developing clear, shared, and enforceable policies governing access to data, particularly that produced by academic research in the broad sense, in order to ensure a balance between openness and regulation, and to guarantee effectiveness and fairness in their use.

At the same time, advances in artificial intelligence are now imposing themselves in this field, as is the requirement to optimize their use for exploiting archival collections, in line with the acceleration of academic research and the diversification of its specializations. Among the major contributions of these technologies are: the efficient processing of massive volumes of data and information, the acceleration of indexing, classification, and search operations, the identification of semantic links between documents, access to latent micro-information and its analysis, as well as the mapping of intersection networks between disciplinary fields. Added to this is their ability to reduce linguistic barriers, support the reading and analysis of visual data, and, more broadly, contribute to the integration of sciences and the broadening of the horizons of knowledge production.

In order to enable academic research to fully benefit from these advantages, it is appropriate to adopt an approach structured around two essential axes. The first concerns human resources and the need to strengthen skills and know-how to accompany rapid technological transformations in the archival field and the research related to it, particularly through continuing education and raising the level of professional preparedness of actors and researchers. The second axis concerns the legal dimension and data protection: it requires the development of an appropriate legal framework guaranteeing the protection of privacy and the preservation of cognitive and scientific capital, as well as the updating of texts governing the conservation of archives and their accessibility, in a way that reconciles the requirements of information security, the right of access to information, and the imperatives of scientific research.

1. Archives, Source of Knowledge and Tool for Academic Research:

  • The role of archives in promoting academic research;
  • Archives and the reliability of academic research;
  • Archives as a space for openness to diverse sources of information;
  • Archives, a vector of knowledge and a bridge for communication and integration between sciences;
  • Archives and the forward-looking perspective of academic research.

2. Digital Technologies and the Development of Academic Research:

  • Digitization and the prospects of academic research;
  • Digitization and the evolution of research methodologies;
  • Strategies for preserving digital archives and their sustainability;
  • Artificial intelligence and the future of academic research.

3. Scientific Research and the Qualification of Human Resources:

  • Training of human capital and areas of cooperation between academic research institutions and archival institutions;
  • Areas of openness of academic research to archives;
  • Development of mechanisms for enhancing archives and the evolution of academic research.

4. Partnerships and Scientific Cooperation:

  • Modalities of cooperation between Archives institutions and academic research institutions;
  • National academic research and challenges related to collecting historical archives at the national and international level;
  • Perspectives for international cooperation for the preservation and enhancement of documentary heritage;
  • Experiences of collaboration between academic research institutions and archival institutions.

5.  Access to Archives and Challenges of their Accessibility:

  • Academic research and compliance with the law on the accessibility of archives;
  • Protection of databases and rights relating to the production of archives;
  • Access to information and protection of personal and sensitive data;
  • Academic research and the protection of rights related to the results of scientific research.
2. Objectives
  • Highlight the role of archives in the field of academic research;
  • Emphasize the challenges researchers face in accessing and exploiting archives;
  • Explore modalities of cooperation between the Institution of National Archives, universities, and research centers;
  • Highlight the transformations brought about by digitization in the development of scientific research;
  • Emphasize the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing archives and developing academic research;
  • Make archives available to academic research.
1. Context

Training in the field of archives constitutes an essential pillar for the qualification of human resources capable of supporting the profound changes this strategic sector is undergoing, whether institutionally, technologically, or epistemologically.
The establishment of an effective national policy for archives management inevitably rests on the existence of competencies trained according to modern scientific and professional standards, capable of mastering archival techniques and meeting the challenges of the digital transition and the preservation of national memory.

Despite the efforts made by the institution “Archives of Morocco” as well as by several national universities and institutes, the reality of archival training in Morocco remains marked by the dispersion of pedagogical frameworks, weak coordination between academic and institutional actors, and the absence of a unified vision for training paths and professional certification. This situation limits the quality of learning, the integration of graduates into the labor market, and the effective professionalization of the archival field.

The question “What training and what standards?” aims to open a national debate on the means to build a coherent and integrated training system in the field of archives, based on:

  • The development of a national reference framework for skills and professional standards in archival science;
  • The adoption of updated pedagogical programs, inspired by international experiences while respecting national specificities;
  • The integration of digitization and artificial intelligence dimensions into academic curricula and continuing education;
  • The strengthening of partnerships between Archives of Morocco, universities, public administrations, and training institutions;
  • The promotion of applied research in information and archival sciences.

This theme lies at the heart of the reflection on the future of archival professions in Morocco and aims to propose concrete directions for an integrated national training policy, capable of providing the country with a new generation of professionals able to protect documentary heritage and support the modernization of public administration.

2. Discussion Axes
  • Diagnosis of archival training in Morocco: institutions, programs, competencies, and constraints.
  • Analysis of international pedagogical models and frameworks: Francophone, Anglo-Saxon, and Arab experiences.
  • Integration of digitization and artificial intelligence into archival training: opportunities and challenges.
  • Continuing education and development of professional skills within public institutions.
  • Towards a unified national framework for training and professional accreditation in the field of archives.
1. Context

Archives constitute the memory of nations and a true bridge between peoples and civilizations, as they reflect their political, social, and cultural history. In a rapidly changing global context, international cooperation in the archival field is emerging as an essential lever for strengthening institutional capacities, exchanging technical know-how, and guaranteeing the recovery of archival collections of high historical and symbolic shared value.

Many countries, particularly those that have experienced colonial experiences or prolonged exchange relationships, continue to face challenges relating to the ownership and restitution of their archival collections held abroad. This axis is part of the dynamic of opening up national archival institutions to their international environment, with a perspective aimed at establishing balanced and fruitful partnerships based on mutual respect, documentary sovereignty, and scientific and cultural solidarity.

2. The Importance of International Cooperation in the Field of Archives
  • Strengthening technical and institutional capacities through training and exchange programs between archival institutions.
  • Developing digital preservation and electronic documentation tools through joint projects inspired by best international practices.
  • Contributing to scientific research by facilitating access to shared archival sources and promoting comparative studies.
  • Recovering national archival collections held abroad, within the framework of bilateral and multilateral conventions.
  • Supporting cultural diplomacy, with archives being an instrument of mutual understanding and dialogue between peoples.
3. Problematic

How can international cooperation in the field of archives be strengthened in a way that guarantees the protection of national documentary heritage while ensuring a fair and fruitful exchange of archival collections and information between countries and institutions?

4. Discussion Axes

1- The legal and institutional framework for the exchange of archival collections:

  • Study of bilateral and international agreements (UNESCO, International Council on Archives, etc.) and comparative experiences of restitution.

2- Technical and digital cooperation in the archival field:

  • Exchanges of expertise in digitization, cloud archiving, and protection of documentary data.

3- Archives as a tool for cultural diplomacy and shared memory:

  • The role of archives in building bridges of understanding and cooperation between peoples.

4- Comparative experiences of restitution of national archives:

  • Presentation of successful examples of North-South and South-South cooperation in this area.
5. Expected Outcomes
  • Develop a clear national vision to strengthen Morocco’s presence in international archival cooperation networks.
  • Propose concrete mechanisms for the exchange of archival collections while respecting national sovereignty.
  • Encourage the signing of new agreements with foreign archival institutions.
  • Contribute to the enhancement of Moroccan archives held abroad and their accessibility to researchers.

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