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News from Libraries, Development and the UN 2030 Agenda

In Times of Trouble, Read! Eight Things to Do on World Book Day!

World Book Day 2020 would have been a special event anyway, marking 25 years since the first celebration in 1995. But this year’s celebration will be particularly special. We look both at how libraries help meet the goals of this year's celebration - combatting isolation and loneliness - and offer eight ways you can celebrate!

23 April 2020 | Literacy and Reading, Literacy, Reading, UNESCO

Place Culture at the Heart of the Response to COVID-19 argues new statement signed by IFLA

The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined how much so many of us rely on culture for strength and comfort at difficult times. With the right support from government, it can not only contribute now, but also make for a stronger recovery for all, as argued in a new statement from the #Culture2030Goal campaign.

20 April 2020

Sanctuary and Support: IFLA Promotes Role of Libraries at UN Meeting on Homelessness

IFLA attended the 58th Session of the UN Commission on Social Development on 10-19 February 2020. With a specific focus for the first time on homelessness, it provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of access to libraries for people experiencing homelessness, and how libraries can help.

15 April 2020 | Library Services to People with Special Needs, Disadvantaged persons, Marginalised populations, Social inclusion, United States of America, Homelessness, Libraries and homelessness

Update on IFLA's Work on Sustainable Development - March 2020

IFLA is continuing in its work around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This update, distributed to participants in IFLA's International Advocacy Programme, provides an overview of activities and resources in the past weeks.

27 March 2020 | Access to information, Development, sustainable development goals

A Clear Contribution: Libraries Engage at African SDG Forum

Libraries were well represented at the African Regional Forum for Sustainable Development on 24-27 February. Through formal sessions, intense advocacy and a successful side-event, library speakers underlined the message that libraries – and access to information – are essential for development.

6 March 2020 | Access to information, Africa, sustainable development goals, UN 2030 Agenda

Better Decisions from Town Halls to Households: IFLA Participates in UCLG Retreat

The importance of both information skills and cultural public spaces was clear at a recent meeting of local government leaders and thinkers. IFLA was there to underline how libraries can contribute.

4 March 2020 | Morocco, local government, sustainable development goals

Accelerating Development, Transforming Lives in Africa: IFLA Promotes Libraries at African Regional Forum on Sustainable Development

Having access to information and the skills to use it can unlock development potential, and make the difference in achieving the SDGs. At the first of five regional fora on sustainable development, IFLA representatives, including former IFLA Governing Board Member Victoria Okojie, will be presenting about how libraries contribute to success.

25 February 2020 | Access to information, Africa, sustainable development goals

Books Beyond Bars: Why Focus on Prison Libraries? An interview with Lisa Krolak, UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning

Without doubt, prisons are some of the toughest environments where libraries can be found, working with users who face complex problems. Yet by helping to develop new skills and prepare inmates for life outside, they can potentially have a huge impact. To find out more, we interviewed Lisa Krolak, Chief Librarian at the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning in Germany.

24 February 2020 | Library Services to People with Special Needs, Access to information, Library services, Prison libraries, special needs

Into Action: UN Regional Sustainable Development Forums Start Next Week

With a meeting in Victoria Falls Town, Zimbabwe, Africa will host the first of five regional meetings focused on the Sustainable Development Goals. Across these forums, IFLA will be working to make sure that governments, UN officials, experts and civil society groups hear about how libraries and access to information can play a transformative role in the Decade of Action.

20 February 2020 | Access to information, Development, sustainable development goals

Libraries’ Role as Core Cultural Services Highlighted in UN Text

The Declared Actions from the 10th meeting of the World Urban Forum, focusing on the role of culture and innovation in creating cities of opportunity, have underlined the contribution libraries can make to this goal as basic cultural services.

17 February 2020 | United Arab Emirates, local development, local government, culture, public services

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