Monaco's Commission Advances Archival Heritage Modernization and Preservation Efforts

Monaco's Consultative Commission on Public Interest Archives recently convened for its annual session, underscoring the Principality's dedication to enhancing and preserving its archival heritage. The meeting, chaired by Jean-Charles Curau and attended by Government Secretary General Marc Vassallo, took place at the Ministry of State on January 28. The session focused on reviewing advancements in the management of archives, including significant progress in areas such as training, digitization, and the acquisition of private archives.

During the session, the 2024 activity report was presented, showcasing the achievements of the Mission de Préfiguration des Archives Nationales (MPAN) and the Central Service for Administrative Archives and Documentation (SCADA). A pivotal development highlighted was the integration of historic archives from the National Council into the MPAN, a move following the earlier inclusion of contributions from the Monaco Scientific Center. This marks a significant expansion of the National Archives initiative, incorporating records from public entities outside the Executive branch for the first time.

The Commission also addressed challenges related to municipal archive management and the balance between data protection and historical preservation. Several recommendations were adopted to further modernize Monaco's archival infrastructure, ensuring that personal data with historical, scientific, or statistical value is adequately safeguarded for future generations. These discussions and decisions reflect Monaco's proactive approach to developing a more inclusive and comprehensive national archival system.