Enriching the conference with its experience on oral history in the United Arab Emirates, and its orientation towards artificial intelligence in data management,

The National Library and Archives participated along with a large number of leading institutions in the annual Records and Information Management Professionals Australasia (RIMPA) Live Convention. This year’s event, themed “I am the Next Wave, Leading the Future,” focused on the future of information management. It highlighted the significance of utilizing artificial intelligence in information management, governance, and the critical role of information as a strategic resource and foundation of the knowledge economy.

Dr. Aisha Belkhair, a Research Advisor at the National Library and Archives, delivered a lecture titled “Oral History in the United Arab Emirates: Elements of Identity” at the convention. In her talk, she highlighted the significance of the NLA’s contributions to oral history and document management.

Regarding her participation in this event, Dr. Aisha Belkhair said, “Our dedication to bolstering the NLA’s standing and improving its institutional image led me to participate in this global conference. It was an opportunity to learn about the latest technological advancements in managing vast amounts of data and utilizing artificial intelligence for secure and efficient information storage and management.”

She continued: Given that data and documents are crucial strategic assets, the conference explored the ways in which they can generate positive returns for nations and societies through efficient management. The participants emphasized that the vast data and detailed information that emerge in millions of copies are equally valuable as oil, gold, or uranium if they are properly classified, preserved, and made accessible, since they form the foundation for the knowledge economy.

The Research Advisor noted that the National Library and Archives was the sole Arab representative at the conference, which took place at the Convention Centre in Adelaide, capital of South Australia. This event attracted over 500 attendees, including experts, specialists, and individuals keen on data and information management globally. The conference covered a wide range of critical topics related to the preservation and accessibility of information. It addressed challenges and future visions in this area, as well as various subjects such as information governance, policies, procedures, and arbitration documents essential for organizations. Additionally, it explored the ethical aspects of artificial intelligence, the preservation of documents through artificial intelligence and machine learning, inter alia.

The representative from the National Library and Archives (NLA) took part in a discussion session organized by the convention management, focusing on the theme of “How to excel in our field from a unique perspective,” during which Dr. Aisha Belkhair underscored the NLA’s interest in safeguarding and managing documents through the use of artificial intelligence to aid in their cataloguing, examination, and accessibility. Dr. Aisha Belkhair made an impact on the conference by sharing the NLA’s expertise and the significant contribution of national records in enhancing our comprehension of history and predicting future trends.

Additionally, the National Library and Archives took part in a brainstorming session aimed at exploring future opportunities for engagement and educational initiatives in the UAE. In the final session titled “Global Perspectives and Challenges: A Worldwide Approach to Shaping the Future,” Dr. Aisha Belkhair emphasized the need for collaboration with an international committee that spearheads the future by tackling the modern challenges encountered by emerging professionals in records management.