From Mandates to Decolonization: Shared Archives and Colonial Legacies in the League of Nations and the United Nations

This joint online event, organized by the United Nations Archives and Records Management Section (ARMS) in New York and the United Nations Archives Geneva as part of International Archives Week 2026, explores the archival legacy of the League of Nations Mandates system and its transition into the United Nations Trusteeship framework.

Drawing on collections held in both Geneva and New York, archivists will present key records documenting the administration of mandated territories, the evolution of international oversight, and the processes of decolonization that followed the Second World War. These archives offer unique insights into colonial governance, emerging concepts of self‑determination, and the role of international organizations in shaping non-sovereign contexts.

Participants will be introduced to the main archival fonds related to Mandates and Trusteeship held by both services, along with practical guidance on how to access them through their respective online platforms and research tools.

By bringing together perspectives from Geneva and New York, the event aims to shed light on the value of these archives for research, accountability, and the ongoing dialogue around shared documentary heritage.

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