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The UN’s new Global Principles for Information Integrity represent an important step in highlighting the importance of access to quality information, both as a goal in itself and an enabler of wider progress. Building on the Principles’ strengths, an explicit engagement of libraries will make them stronger and more effective.
This document represents a unification of library voices in regard to the Internet, it provides our vision of the Internet we want, it sets out a compelling narrative about the place of libraries in the digital space and provides a series of recommendations for different actors. Of course, we also see the manifesto as an opportunity to ensure that the library voice remains relevant and strong in the international discussions that are shaping the way forward in Internet Governance processes.
Last week, we shared an overview of our engagement at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum 2024, focused on building awareness of and support for the work of libraries as development actors. Complementing this, and as part of our drive to share more about the work of our Governing Board (GB) members, we're happy to offer a personal perspective from Loida Garcia Febo, one of the GB representatives on the delegation.
Last week, we shared an overview of our engagement at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum 2024, focused on building awareness of and support for the work of libraries as development actors. Complementing this, and as part of our drive to share more about the work of our Governing Board members, we're happy to offer a personal perspective Alejandro Santa, one of the GB representatives on the delegation.
An IFLA delegation made up of representatives from Argentina, South Africa, Namibia, Oman, Georgia and the United States made the most of the 2024 High-Level Political Forum to build connections and get people thinking about how libraries can contribute to the SDGs.
In its work to support a safe and sustainable world, the United Nations is active in many policy areas where libraries have a unique role to play. At a meeting hosted by the Argentine Mission to the United Nations, and with the contributions of the Irish Mission, diplomats and librarians discussed how to realise this potential.
The Culture2030Goal Campaign has released its draft analysis of the place of culture in 2024 Voluntary National Reviews of implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. The analysis highlights that all countries are already reflecting on culture, with some taking a very comprehensive approach. However, an explicit goal could make the difference in generalising this good practice.
Compared to the first draft, the latest version of the Pact for the Future - a milestone document for the work of the United Nations this decade - contains unfortunate backward steps on support for open and collaborative science. With partners, IFLA has issued a call on the co-facilitators for this to be corrected.
As the urgency of action to deliver on the SDGs grows, the need to draw on the potential of knowledge, culture and libraries becomes more and more important. The IFLA delegation at this year’s High-Level Political Forum will be making the case, through their engagement in meetings, events and webinars.
The latest draft of the United Nations’ Pact for the Future, likely to be a milestone document for the UN this decade, represents welcome progress towards recognising the importance of culture – and the need for a goal in future development agendas.
Small Island Developing States face unique challenges in their efforts to ensure strong, fair and sustainable development. Knowledge, information and libraries can make a major contribution to achieving this, as IFLA’s representatives at the 4th UN SIDS Conference in Antigua and Barbuda underlined.
IFLA has been working hard to bring libraries into the UN climate change debate. From COP27 to COP28, and this past week at the June UN Climate Meetings, we have been making space on behalf of our members and volunteers to highlight how libraries help achieve global goals.
This week, IFLA representatives will be taking part in the 4th United Nations Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This event, reflecting the unique circumstances and needs of SIDS, will finalise the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), providing a framework for action by the UN and international community to support these countries.
On 8-10 May 2024, Nerisa Kamar and Purity Kavuri represented IFLA and the global library field at the United Nations Civil Society Conference, as well as a UNESCO pre-meeting for NGOs, all held in Nairobi, Kenya. Nerisa and Purity here share what they learned.
IFLA, working with the Technology and Social Change Group at the University of Washington, and with support from Stichting IFLA Global Libraries (SIGL) today launches the 2024 Development and Access to Information Report. This highlights uneven progress in delivering meaningful access, with advances in connectivity not matched by the spread of rights, equity and skills. In parallel, we need both better adapted laws, and investment in libraries to turn this access into success in delivering on the SDGs.
IFLA representatives were active at the 7th meeting of the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development, engaging delegates, strengthening networks, and speaking up about the importance of knowledge and information for development.
IFLA Headquarters joined partners from UNESCO representing civil society and beyond at the 16th International Forum of NGOs in Official Partnership with UNESCO. This was held in person from 15‐16 April 2024 in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) with the theme, “Sustainable Cultures”.
In addition to core funding received from host institutions, governments or others, libraries represent great partners for others who share our commitment to supporting sustainable development. The results of a project made possible by Stichting IFLA Global Libraries, and carried out by The Doyenne Project, give an idea of who has a track-record of supporting libraries among private donors and public development agencies.
With a growing generation of people relying on the internet for learning, entertainment and socializing, it's crucial to cultivate their capacity to ask critical questions about how technology impacts their lives, their communities and the planet. But how can educators guide teens to understand and navigate the digital world confidently? “Everywhere, All the Time” is a creative and playful digital literacy intervention, aiming to do just that.