From 8 to 12 June 2026, the III Congress of Archivists themed “Digital Archive EXPO” (DA-EXPO) will be held in Astana on the initiative of the Archive of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This year, the forum will take place in an expanded format and is expected to bring together more than 500 participants from around the world.

Since 2022, the Congress of Archivists has been held biennially and serves as a platform for professional dialogue on pressing issues related to the preservation of historical, cultural, and documentary heritage, the development of innovative approaches to archival practice, and the dissemination of best archival practices.

The International Council on Archives (ICA) is the official partner and co-organizer of the Congress. Over the past years, the forum has brought together more than 400 participants, including archival professionals, representatives of the IT industry, researchers, academic staff, as well as representatives of government bodies and cultural institutions.

This year, the Congress will be held for the first time in a combined format, including:

• An exhibition space (DA-EXPO) dedicated to the practical demonstration of advanced IT solutions, including AI-based products and services for archives;
• Session events focused on professional dialogue, knowledge exchange, and strategic reflection on the future of archives.

The session programme will address the following key themes:

• Archives and AI: tools, ethics, and future strategies;
• Innovative archival ecosystems: cooperation, infrastructure, and new formats;
• Archives in the face of global challenges: sustainability and security;
• The future of archives: new competencies and leadership;
• Archives for society.

Representatives of archival institutions, the IT and technology community, research and educational organizations, government bodies, as well as museums, libraries, and other cultural institutions are invited to participate in the Congress.

Applications for participation are accepted online via the following link:
https://forms.gle/hgHaB4FFdfBpLHZAA

The application deadline is 1 March 2026 (inclusive). Applicants will be notified of the status of their submission by 29 March 2026.