How a Tiny Idea Became a Global Movement: The Story of the Global Information Consortium

In a recent episode of the InfoGov Hot Seat podcast, host Jim Merrifield sat down with Anne Cornish (CEO at RIMPA Global) and Nathan Hughes (CEO at ARMA International) to discuss the remarkable journey of the Global Information Consortium (GIC) — from a casual conversation to a thriving, international initiative aimed at transforming information management worldwide.

From Small Beginnings to Global Vision

The GIC story began with an informal chat between ARMA and RIMPA about the shared challenges and aspirations facing information management professionals across borders. Anne and Nathan quickly connected over their passion for the field and realized that information governance is a global issue requiring a collaborative approach. Their goal was to unite a diverse array of organizations to create a “bigger voice” that advocates for best practices and raises the profile of information management on the world stage.

Bringing their respective organizations together was only the beginning. The process of turning a “tiny idea” into reality took three years of building relationships, conducting focus groups, and gaining buy-in not just from their own boards but from stakeholders around the world. As Nathan shared, getting global commitment requires time, trust, and proof of value, especially when asking busy professionals to volunteer their time for a new cause.

Collaborative Successes & Overcoming Challenges

Both Anne and Nathan admit they initially underestimated the challenge of launching a brand-new, global organization—even with their “just do it” attitudes. Convincing others to join wasn’t simply about having a good idea; people wanted to see real progress before investing time, money, or resources. Today, with ten organizations forming the GIC’s Global Council and increasing momentum, their persistence is finally paying off.

A key takeaway for them has been the value of patience and proof of concept—building a movement takes longer than expected but produces stronger foundations for lasting impact.

The Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, the GIC aims to serve as the "United Nations of Information Governance," advocating for sound policies, empowering professionals, and acting as a central resource for emerging challenges such as AI, privacy, and cybersecurity. As the information landscape rapidly evolves, so too does the GIC’s strategy—what started as abstract discussions about AI has swiftly turned into a need for focused, practical solutions in the era of constant technological change.

The consortium is also determined to expand its membership, ensuring representation from every part of the information management spectrum: records, archives, data, governance, libraries, and beyond. Their inclusive approach is creating space for both large, established associations and smaller, developing organizations that can benefit from the collective wisdom, resources, and support the GIC provides.

Current Members & Global Reach

Current GIC Global Council members include ICRM, ILTA, iSigma, KARMA (Kenya), and Nagara, with more organizations in final talks to join. The consortium’s reach is truly international, with active participation from developing regions like Kenya and soon Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, reflecting its commitment to lifting the entire profession, not just its most developed corners.

Additionally, the ISO standards committee is a supportive partner, helping to align global information standards with the GIC’s mission, though not as a voting member. This cements the consortium’s role as both advocate and amplifier for best practices in information governance.

Why the GIC Matters

Anne and Nathan are passionate about making information management “understood, appreciated, and valued by everybody in society, not just organizations.” The collaborative partnerships fostered by the GIC offer not just outward advocacy but also an internal network for peer learning and collective problem-solving. As Anne puts it, “To advocate collaboratively, I think we can achieve so much more.”

From its humble beginnings to its growing global influence, the GIC’s journey is a testament to perseverance, collaboration, and the power of a shared vision in transforming an entire profession.

Get Involved!

If you—or your organization—are passionate about information governance and want to help shape the future of the profession, the GIC welcomes inquiries from groups large and small around the world. Your voice can be part of this dynamic, growing global network.

What aspect of a global information consortium do you find most promising for the future of the industry?