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In the third and final story in our series focusing on reviews of implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2021, we hear from libraries in four countries about their experience of engaging in this process.
2021 has not just ben a record year for libraries in Voluntary National Reviews – it has also seen the highest share yet of Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) recognise the contribution of libraries to delivering the SDGs. We review these documents, and how they underline the breadth of library contributions to achieving the SDGs.
The processes created for monitoring and supporting the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals offer important opportunities for libraries to engage with decision-makers, gain recognition, and shape priorities. In the first of three pieces, we look at Voluntary National Reviews, with almost 44% of reports published referring to libraries – a new record.
Culture, art and heritage play a vital part in the lives of individuals and societies, contributing not just to key policy objectives such as wellbeing and employment, but to the whole range of development goals. An IFLA co-organised side-event at the 2021 United Nations High-Level Political Forum saw speakers explore how to maximise this contribution through partnerships.
Earlier this month, the communiqué of the Urban-20 summit – a meeting of mayors of leading cities around the world, in the context of the Italian G20 Presidency – was released. It calls for action in a number of areas of core library work.
Earlier this month, the communiqué of the Urban-20 summit – a meeting of mayors of leading cities around the world, in the context of the Italian G20 Presidency – was released. It calls for action in a number of areas of core library work.
A recent report from Denmark has shone a new light on the different ways in which public libraries make a difference to people's lives, and how we can measure this. We interviewed Christian Lauersen, Director, Roskilde Public Library, to find out more.
The pandemic has underlined the importance of access to information for all, but at the same time, the risks of misinformation. Libraries have a huge potential to contribute, as highlighted in a webinar organised by participants in the IFLA-Goethe Institut Emerging International Voices Programme.
Strengthening the global voice of libraries by making every librarian an advocate is a key part of IFLA's Strategy. But how can we teach advocacy? We interviewed Raphaelle Bats, France, to find out about her experiences.
If you believe that there is no future without culture and that the cultural ecosystems should be integrated in both short-term recovery and long-term development strategies, support the #Culture2030goal campaign.
At a side-event to the United Nations Science, Technology and Innovation Forum 2021, held on 5 May, speakers shared their insights on where work is needed to ensure that openness acts as a driver of sustainable development.
A new IFLA report highlights greater understanding of the contribution of libraries to delivering the UN 2030 Agenda among local governments, in a wider range of areas, than in national reviews of SDG implementation.
Libraries can have an important role in building understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We interviewed Dr Yakov L Shrayberg, President of the Russian National Public Library for Science and Technology, to find out about their International SDGs Calendar contest and how to get involved.
With a unique understanding of how our institutions support positive progress, the local government leaders meeting as part of the Urban 20 initiative are well placed to highlight how libraries, and culture more broadly, contribute to sustainable development.
A side-event at the Asia-Pacific region’s forum on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provided an opportunity to underline the importance of access to information everywhere, and the potential of libraries to support effective policy delivery.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated the importance of information in so many aspects of our lives. However, responding to growing demands is not necessarily simply. At a panel bringing together UN officials and library representatives, participants made recommendations for how to draw on information to support effective responses to, and strong recovery from, the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meaningful access to information – including access infrastructure, user skills, relevant content, supportive policy frameworks – helps deliver on people’s civil, economic, social and cultural rights. IFLA’s response to a recent OHCHR questionnaire highlights good practices and insights from the library field on how to maximise and deliver on this potential.
The call for applications for the title of UNESCO World Book Capital City 2023 is open. IFLA encourages cities with cities with strong and innovative policies supporting books and readings to apply.
This update on libraries and the SDGs includes information on: the 2021 VNRs, the Regional SDG Fora and other UN meetings, the SDG Advocacy Toolkit, IFLA's Library Map of the World and Stat of the Week, Education for Sustainable Development, Library Advocate Personality Test, the SDG book club, and other useful IFLA and external tools.
With access to information recognised as a key component of development in the UN 2030 Agenda, libraries have a powerful potential to contribute to success. A side event at the African Regional Forum on Sustainable Development provided the opportunity to explore further.