We’re already well into the United Nations High-Level Political Forum in New York, with our team of librarians from four different continents hard at work ensuring that governments understand the potential of libraries to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals. But what goals did they have in coming to the Forum?

The third and final part of our Meet Team IFLA series asks the question: What are you hoping to achieve through your engagement at HLPF? You can also take a look at part 1 and part 2 of the series to find out more!

Alejandro Santa (Coordinating Director, Library of the National Congress, Argentina)

Make the Latin American and Caribbean Region visible. Work in strategic alliances with institutions and people. Disseminate the Library’s task in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals. Its implementation through the Quality Management System and measurement with strategic indicators.

Matseliso Moshoeshoe-Chadzingwa (University Librarian, National University of Lesotho, Lesotho)

One hopes to engage with the Lesotho delegation closely, a rare opportunity at home; to learn and influence intensively on behalf of the global library fraternity; to interact with librarians from other countries, to learn best practices to take home; and to establish links of cooperation with prospective global partners.

Ayanda Lebele (Director of Library Services, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Botswana)

I want to build a meaningful awareness of the role of libraries (both for my National reporting task team and for the region), and be able to engage with those responsible for national planning.

Mara Jekabsone (President, Latvian Library Association, Latvia)

To strengthen the understanding of the role and significance of libraries in the achievement of SDGs; gain contacts and fortify cooperation to continue the work with SDGs both nationally, and internationally.

Odean Cole-Phoenix (Technical Information Manager, Planning Institute of Jamaica, Jamaica)

I am looking forward to networking and expanding my understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals.  In addition, forming new partnerships and exchanging ideas with other Information Managers is another high expectation. Finally, if there is an opportunity to be an SDG library ambassador for the Caribbean I would be happy to serve.  It would provide an opportunity to increase interaction with more libraries across the Caribbean, conduct training and review the works being done while reporting on the process.

Premila Gamage (Information Professional, Sri Lanka)

I want to showcase the role and contributions of libraries that have already made towards SDGs and advocate for inclusion of libraries in the national SDG agenda.

Loida Garcia Febo (International Library Consultant, United States of America)

I want to ensure more visibility, and so support and commitment for libraries from UN Member States. We need to be seen and supported as development accelerators, in order to realise our potential to build stronger communities!

Julius Jefferson Jr (Section Manager, Library of Congress, United States of America)

By participating in the HLPF I hope to have a broader global understanding of SDG’s; listen for ways to increase the role libraries can play in the awareness and implementation; and connect with US stakeholders.