With five reports from national implementations of UNESCO's Internet Universality Indicators now published, it's a good time to see what library roles in supporting internet inclusion are recognised. This article explores these, and calls for closer engagement in libraries in future implementation efforts. Read More
The coming two years will be important ones in the history of international internet governance, providing a number of key opportunities to underline what libraries need in order to fulfil their missions. The 2023 UN Committee on Science and Technology for Development provided an opportunity to set out next steps. Read More
While we have seen major progress in extending connectivity, are we doing so well in ensuring that everyone has the skills, confidence and access to content necessary to realise the potential of the internet to drive development? Not yet, but libraries can help. Read More
With its explicit references to the importance of access to information and connecting libraries, the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Action Lines remain a key reference point for libraries in engaging in digital policy Read More
Following our participation in the UNESCO Internet4Trust conference, IFLA has now submitted comments on UNESCO's draft Guidelines on Platform Regulation. In addition to welcoming the balance found in the document, we also propose improvements, including readier recognition of libraries' role in a healthy internet. Read More
At a major global conference exploring how to update regulation of internet platforms as part of wider efforts to rebuild trust in the internet, Dilara Begum, on behalf of IFLA, highlighted the value of upholding freedom of expression and access to information, and the practical contribution libraries can make to this goal. Read More
As part of its work to develop principles for the operation of digital platforms, UNESCO is convening the Internet for Trust conference on 22-23 February. IFLA will be represented by Dilara Begum (Bangladesh), who will highlight in particular the role of libraries and information literacy skills in achieving the goals of the conference. Read More
In the latest of our series of looks ahead on different policy areas, we turn to the internet and wider digital world. Given both our own reliance on technology, as well as its impact on the achievement of wider library goals, evolutions in this space are particularly relevant for our own field to consider. Read More
IFLA was active at the 2022 Internet Governance Forum, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, speaking both in UNESCO sessions on Internet Universality Indicators, and the Dynamic Coalition on Public Access in Libraries session on inclusive internet governance. Read More
This year's Internet Governance Forum (IGF) focuses on the topic of Resilient Internet for a Shared Sustainable and Common Future. IFLA will be present, working to underline how libraries represent an essential link in the chain between internet access, resilience, and inclusiveness. Read More