Doha: The National Archives of Qatar has announced a cooperation agreement with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi to launch a Professional Certificate in Archives and Records Management. This initiative is part of the National Archives of Qatar's efforts to develop national expertise and promote sustainable practices in document preservation and documentary heritage management.
According to Qatar News Agency, the agreement aims to enhance the technical capabilities of professionals in the field of documentation by providing them with knowledge and expertise aligned with the latest global practices in the sector. This partnership supports the National Archives of Qatar's strategy to establish professional and knowledge-based foundations for sustainable institutional development, aligning with the digital transformation underway in Qatar's archival sector.
The collaboration is also a component of the "Ousus" program, introduced by the National Archives of Qatar in May, which features three training aspects: administrative, technical, and field. This partnership with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is seen as a practical embodiment of Qatar National Vision 2030, marking a significant step in developing a specialized workforce to preserve Qatar's documentary heritage.
The initiative aims to elevate Qatari competencies in public document management, contributing to the preservation of institutional memory and enhancing governance. This effort supports the creation of a professional system that sustains documentary work and aligns national practices with Qatar's strategic objectives.
Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Al Buainain, Secretary-General of the National Archives of Qatar, highlighted the partnership as an important step toward advancing the archives sector, emphasizing the archives' commitment to preparing national cadres with the skills to manage archives to international standards. He underscored the role of document management as a national responsibility essential for preserving institutional memory and documentary heritage, thus contributing to sustainable institutional development.
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi will implement the program from Sunday until December 11, delivering it in Arabic under the guidance of experts in document management and digital archiving. The program covers theoretical and practical topics, including document management legislation, classification and preservation mechanisms, technical processing and restoration, and managing electronic documents amidst rapid digital transformation.
Assistant Secretary-General of the National Archives of Qatar, Aisha Khalid Al Saad, expressed to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the partnership with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is a qualitative enhancement for the 'Ousus' program. It reflects the archives' belief in effective academic partnerships as crucial for institutional efficiency and sustainable excellence. She noted that the agreement underscores a commitment to human resource investment as key to sustainable development.
Al Saad also revealed that over 30 trainees from the Archives are benefiting from the "Ousus" program's first phase, with plans to extend it to other government agencies in Qatar.