Formally marking the half-way point in the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit and Action Weekend will bring together key governmental and non-governmental actors in advancing a stronger, fairer, more sustainable world. IFLA will be there, underlining libraries’ essential role in any comprehensive development plans.

The events, which will take place over 16-19 September in New York, fall eight years after the original agreement of the 2030 Agenda, and just over half way through their delivery period.

There will be a sense of urgency, with the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s war against Ukraine causing serious delays in progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, and even reverses in some cases.

A key focus will therefore be on transformative actions which can unblock progress, and make a significant positive difference, both from the UN itself, as well as governments and other stakeholders. The Summit will also be a major stepping stone towards the Summit of the Future next year, at which a Pact for the Future will be signed, intended to make it easier for the world to achieve its goals.

IFLA will be present, highlighting libraries’ commitment to date to achieving the SDGs, and calling on more governments to recognise and draw on our potential. We will be speaking in events focused on the role of knowledge in development and how libraries can support monitoring of progress. We will also be looking to engage with existing and future partners, with whom we can work to make change happen.

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