Newsroom

Libraries Upholding Cultural Rights: IFLA Welcomes Special Rapporteur for Cultural Rights Alexandra Xanthaki

IFLA welcomed the UN Special Rapporteur in the field of Cultural Rights Alexandra Xanthaki as she addressed the Human Rights Council for the first time during their 49th Session. An IFLA representative sat down with the Special Rapporteur following her address to discuss priorities for the coming years and highlight the ways in which libraries work to uphold cultural rights for their communities.  

ResiliArt x Mondiacult at IFLA - Meet the Panel and Register Now!

ResiliArt x Mondiacult is coming to IFLA! Take part in this exploration of how libraries help enable the discovery, creation, and enjoyment of diverse expressions of culture to be a part of everyday life.

Not without libraries! Looking ahead on the SDGs

Every year around the Sustainable Development Goals is a busy one, with 2022 no exception! There will be key opportunities to work through the structures and meetings around the Goals to ensure that governments and other stakeholders understand the contribution that libraries can make, and what they need to do it. This article looks to provide an idea of the themes that are likely to be at the top of the agenda this year, as well as two key ways of getting involved – through reviews of SDG implementation and engagement in key meetings.

IFLA’s Message at the UNESCO-MONDIACULT Africa Regional Consultation: Count Libraries In!

The UNESCO Online Consultation on Cultural Policies for the Africa Region was held on 31 January and 1 February, hosted by the Republic of Senegal. IFLA was represented, making the case for libraries to be involved, from the design to the delivery of cultural policies and strategies.

IFLA and the SDGs: January 2022 Update

Engaging around the Sustainable Development Goals represents a powerful way both of thinking through how libraries contribute to achieving policy goals, and building up networks and recognition by governments. We've brought together information about what's going on around the Untied Nations 2030 Agenda at the moment, as well as relevant materials produced by IFLA. Take a look through for more!

Partnering for development: a joint interview between Jamaica’s SDG focal point and libraries

Through our work around the Sustainable Development Goals, IFLA argues that libraries are essential partners for development, and should be integrated into planning and implementation. Voluntary National Reviews provide a particular opportunity to set out where these partnerships stand, and how we can go further. We interviewed colleagues in Jamaica to find out more about how libraries are being involved in Review preparation there.

Coming Soon: ResiliArt x Mondiacult – Libraries enabling inclusive and meaningful access to culture

In September 2022, UNESCO will convene the World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development – Mondiacult 2022, hosted in Mexico City. IFLA will help bring the voices of the library and information profession to these discussions is through an upcoming virtual event: ResiliArt x Mondiacult – Libraries enabling inclusive and meaningful access to culture.

International Day of Education - Libraries Contributing to a New Social Contract for Education

On the International Day of Education (24 January), the UN calls for transformation – a reimagining of the world’s education systems to realise the fundamental right to education for all and build a more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable future.

Helping every library work with the SDGs: Interview with Nathalice Cardoso

The United Nations 2030 Agenda is not just a document for governments, rather it sets out responsibilities for everyone, including libraries! However, it is not always easy to make the connection between high-level policy documents and day-to-day library operations. We interviewed Natalice Cardoso, to find out about her work in engaging libraries in questions around the Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals

Looking Ahead at Climate Action in 2022

At the Heart of Local Development: Culture2030Goal Report on the Place of Culture in Voluntary Local Reviews

A new Culture2030Goal Campaign report explores how effectively local and regional governments are placing culture at the heart - and even the start - of their efforts to deliver on the United Nations 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals. 

IFLA publishes briefing on the UN SAMOA Pathway for small island developing states

A new briefing provides insights on a key UN document on sustainability which provides a potential framework for securing greater recognition and new partnerships for libraries and library and information professionals.

The UNESCO General Conference: recognising libraries as partners in culture, education, and access to information

UNESCO’s 41st General Conference has ended. This biennial meeting brings together representatives of the Member States, alongside observers from non-Member States, intergovernmental organisations, and non-governmental organisations, to determine the policies and the main lines of work of UNESCO.

Bringing the Voice of Libraries to COP26

IFLA was proud to join the Climate Heritage Network in a series of events that brought the voices of cultural heritage and cultural institutions to the table – highlighting the sector’s critical role in powering climate action.

Libraries Sustain: Transcript of Andrew Potts' keynote speech at WLIC 2021

At the 2021 World Library and Information Congress (WLIC), Andrew Potts, coordinator of the Secretariat of the Climate Heritage Network, gave the keynote speech for the Libraries Sustain thematic track of the Congress.

Get into Global Media & Information Literacy Week 2021

During Global Media & Information Literacy (MIL) Week, UNESCO and the Global Alliance for Partnerships on Media and Information Literacy (GAPMIL) invite global stakeholders to come together to discuss and celebrate progress achieved towards MIL for all.

IFLA joins book sector partners in calling for climate action

IFLA is happy to be a co-signatory of a statement released today by organisations representing the different actors within the book sector, including publishers, booksellers, and of course libraries.

Integrating libraries and culture into sustainable development planning: IFLA SG speaks at 4th Culture Summit

Around the world, there are already very positive examples of local and regional governments integrating libraries and culture into their wider development policies. To spread this good practice, we need both to build awareness, and shape global frameworks. 

Literacy at the Heart of Human-Centred Recovery: Marking International Literacy Day

To mark International Literacy Day 2021, IFLA releases a new research report, highlighting the contributions that libraries are making to successful literacy initiatives, in particular in developing countries.

Libraries and culture for a fair, green and local recovery

At a meeting of the mayors of many of the most important cities around the world, IFLA, on behalf of the Culture2030Goal campaign, underlined the importance of investing in culture and libraries, and integrating them into policy planning in order to support greener, fairer development.