National Archives of Qatar signs cooperation agreement with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi

The National Archives of Qatar announced the signing of a cooperation agreement with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi to launch a Professional Certificate in Archives and Records Management, as part of the National Archives of Qatar's commitment to developing national competencies and promoting sustainable practices in the fields of document preservation and documentary heritage management.The agreement aims to develop the technical capabilities of those working in the field of documentation, and to provide them with knowledge and expertise based on the latest global practices in the documentation and preservation sector.This partnership reinforces the National Archives of Qatar's approach to establishing professional and knowledge-based foundations for sustainable institutional development, in line with the digital transformation taking place in this vital sector in Qatar.This collaboration also comes within the technical aspect of the "Ousus" program, which was launched by the National Archives of Qatar in May, and includes three integrated training aspects: administrative, technical, and field.The partnership with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi represents a practical embodiment of Qatar National Vision 2030, and an important step toward developing a specialised generation capable of preserving the documentary heritage of Qatar.The programme aims to raise Qatari competencies in the field of public document management within a strategic vision to preserve institutional memory and enhance governance in the country, contributing to building a professional system capable of supporting the sustainability of documentary work in the country, and unifying national practices within an integrated institutional framework that keeps pace with the strategic directions of Qatar.In this regard, Secretary-General of the National Archives of Qatar Dr Ahmed Abdullah al Buainain emphasized that the partnership with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is an important step toward developing the archives sector in the country, and is part of the archives' commitment to qualifying national cadres who possess the knowledge and skills to manage archives according to the highest international standards.Al Buainain said that document management is not just a technical task, but a national responsibility that contributes to preserving institutional memory and safeguarding documentary heritage, and constitutes a fundamental element in achieving sustainable development for institutions.Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi will be implementing the programme from Sunday until Dec. 11, and it will be presented in Arabic under the supervision of a select group of experts and practitioners specialising in document management and digital archiving.The programme addresses topics that combine theoretical and practical aspects, including legislation and policies regulating document management, classification and preservation mechanisms, technical processing and restoration, in addition to managing and sustaining electronic documents in light of the accelerating digital transformation.Assistant Secretary-General of the National Archive of Qatar Aisha Khalid al Saad told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the partnership with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is qualitative for the 'Ousus' programme launched by the archives to develop the professional training system in the field of records management and to develop national professional cadres in the field of records management in accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030. It also reflects the archives' firm belief in the importance of such effective academic partnerships, which represent a fundamental pillar for enhancing the efficiency of institutional work and achieving sustainable excellence.She said that this cooperation embodies the archive's commitment to investing in human resources as the cornerstone of any sustainable renaissance, especially since knowledge and experience are the real investment in human resources to preserve memory. She pointed out that the partnership with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi can open the door to other partnerships in the fields of training and research, in a way that supports the goals of the National Archives of Qatar in this field.The Assistant Secretary-General of the National Archives of Qatar added that more than 30 male and female trainees, from the staff of the Archives, are benefiting from the "Ousus" programme in its first phase, in terms of academic qualification, with the intention of expanding it later to include other government agencies in the country.