Maison des Association Internationales (MAI), Rue Washington 40, Brussels

Thursday 22 May 2025

In 1907, the Central Office of International Institutions was founded in Brussels to enhance collaboration between various international organizations, and to serve as a documentation centre. In 1910, at the First World Congress of International Organizations in Brussels, representatives from 137 international civil society associations and 13 governments formally agreed to transform the Central Office into the Union of International Associations (UIA). From its inception, the UIA was designed to help manage relations between international associations, study questions of common interest, facilitate the creation of new organizations, support international education and undertake a range of publishing and documentation activities. On 22 May 2025, an event in Brussels will reflect on the history of the UIA and its relation to wider histories of international cooperation. Alongside featuring a range of speakers, we will celebrate the UIA’s rich history with a reception, and you are cordially invited to this event.

9:30 to 15:15 (Workshop – Closed session)

Preserving and Using the Documentary Heritage of International Associations and Charities

This workshop will bring together historians, archivists and INGO staff and volunteers to discuss the preservation and use of INGO archives. Supported by the British Academy and its programme ‘Archiving the Mixed Economy of Welfare’, the event will combine case studies presentations with discussions.

15:30 to 19:00 (Public Event, Room ‘Brussels’)

Celebrating the Past, Present and Future of International Associations