Imagine a space where people can, at the same time, become smarter internet users, engage in civic and community activities, learn about healthy living, take climate action, carry out research and citizen science, and access lifelong learning opportunities, all for free? In the world’s >2.5M libraries, these already exist.

There is now a growing body of evidence, through Voluntary National Reviews, of how governments are successfully mobilising this potential by integrating libraries into their development planning, often in new and unexpected ways.

This side-event of the UN High-Level Political Forum brings together examples of this, looking to learn lessons that can, in turn help leverage inclusive, sustainable development around the world.

Speakers will represent the Irish Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, the Maldives Ministry of Culture and the Council of Social Affairs of Argentina, as well as library leaders who will share insights from the national and local level in the United States.

The webinar takes place at 12:30-13:45 UTC on 13 July 2023 (see what time this is for you), and register here.