The below editorial accompanies the May edition of the IFLA Newsletter.

IFLA Newsletter, Vol. 2, No. 5

Welcome to the May IFLA Newsletter. With just two months to go until the World Library and Information Congress, we’ve got more exciting updates about what awaits you in Dublin, including links to the full programme, and a key reminder to apply for emerging leaders’ grants. There’s also news about this year’s IFLAcamp, and on the recipients of the ARL grants.  

As for our theme this month, last weekend, the world marked International Day of Cultural Diversity – an opportunity to recall why it is so important to protect and celebrate this characteristic of our societies as a means of guaranteeing individual rights, and wider sustainable development.  

Libraries have a key role to play here, not just in providing access to a wide range of content that broadens horizons and exposes people to new experiences, but also in proactively supporting learning, exchange, and meetings of different perspectives.   

In this newsletter, I’m happy to share with you an interview with Lan Gao, Chair of IFLA’s Section on Library Services to Multicultural Populations, which has recently celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. She shares key insights into what promoting diversity means today in libraries.   

We also have insights into UNESCO’s work on the topic, and how you can get involved, drawing on UNESCO reference frameworks to build stronger recognition of the work and contribution of libraries!   

Elsewhere, it’s been a busy month of international meetings – check out what happened, and how IFLA was involved on behalf of libraries in our Policy and Advocacy section. We also have updates from our Professional Units and Regional Division Committees, news about new IFLA members, and upcoming opportunities for you to engage in our work.

We are IFLA!

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Barbara Lison
IFLA President 2021-2023