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Get Involved with Cultural Policy and Advocacy in 2024

IFLA joins presentation of plans for World Book Capital 2024 in Strasbourg

With a strong basis in the work of the cities libraries and librarians, the recently published programme for Strasbourg as World Book Capital City from 23 April 2023 is an exciting one, offering much not just to the city’s residents, but also to others interested in promoting books and reading locally.

Libraries Recognised among Essential Partners in Historic Declaration on Culture-based Climate Action

Building momentum towards a culture goal - IFLA at the UCLG Culture Summit 2023

Local governments are not just a key stakeholder for many libraries, but also a key ally in making the case for a stronger recognition of the role of culture, cultural institutions and cultural actors in advancing sustainable development. We were therefore very happy to join United Cities and Local Governments' Culture Summit, focused on building recognition of this role, and to sign a memorandum of understanding allowing us to take this work further. 

Updates from COP28: Get involved in library climate advocacy

IFLA is excited to invite colleagues from the library and museum fields, as well as from the Permanent Delegation of the UAE to UNESCO, to join us in a discussion at the Greening Education Hub. We will explore how cultural actors help implement lifelong greening community strategies, and integrate these perspectives into the work programme of the UNESCO Greening Education Partnership.

COP28 Call to Action: Culture at the Heart of Climate Action

As a founding member of the Climate Heritage Network, IFLA is excited to join in supporting a call to action for culture at COP28 – and we invite you to join as well!

Culture2030Goal campaign welcomes statements in favour of culture's role in development

The Culture2030Goal campaign, of which IFLA is a founding member, has welcomed recent statements by UN Member States, the G20, the BRICS and ministers of the European Union which underline the role of culture in development, and point towards the need for a dedicated culture goal in future.

Appeal for Respect for Human Rights, Cultural Conventions in Gaza and Israel

Calling for immediate humanitarian aid is of the highest priority. We implore all parties to uphold respect for human rights and dignity, in line with international law, and find a pathway to peace.

The Future of Openness: IFLA at the Creative Commons Global Summit and what it means for libraries

FLA was excited to attend and contribute to Creative Commons’s conversation on the future of openness. The open movement provides opportunities for libraries to engage with and serve their users, as well as reach new users. Read on for some key take-aways from the programme, and what they may mean for library advocacy going forward.

Rio named as World Book Capital 2025

IFLA is happy to congratulate Rio de Janeiro on being awarded the title of World Book Capital City 2025, following a decision of the Director General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay. We look forward to working with Brazilian colleagues in order to ensure this highlights and strengthens libraries.

How well does culture feature in 2023 Voluntary National Reviews of SDG implementation?

The Culture 2030 Goal campaign has released its review of the place of culture in the reports released by national governments about how they are working to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. As well as highlighting the different dimensions of culture's contribution, it underlines both the need - and the feasibility - of an explicit culture goal.

Get Involved with UNESCO Memory of the World: 2024-2025 Call for Nominations

Documentary heritage transmits an understanding of social, political, collective, and personal history. It offers more than a glimpse into the past –  it transmits memory, knowledge, perspective, stories, and testimonies that are relevant to our world today.

An introduction to the Culture2030Goal campaign

We are happy to share the recording of our webinar explaining the work and missions of the Culture2030Goal campaign. 

IFLA Expresses Concern for Sudan, Urges an End to Library Destruction and Looting

The people of Sudan face an increasingly perilous situation following the outbreak of civil armed conflict in April 2023. Our primary concerns are humanitarian, and we call for solidarity with the people of Sudan, including its library and information workers – those still in the country and those who have been forced to flee.

IFLA Takes a Leading Role at the 4th Civil Society Forum on the 2005 Convention

On 5 June, civil society organisations came together online and in person at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, for the fourth edition of the Civil Society Forum of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of a Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005 Convention).

No time to waste: Culture2030Goal campaign calls for inclusion of culture in SDG Summit Declaration

The Culture2030Goal campaign, of which IFLA is a founding member, has called on governments to correct the mistakes of 2015, and make sure that the Declaration emerging from a key UN event in September recognises the role of culture in accelerating sustainable development.

IFLA and UNESCO Celebrate 30 Years of World Press Freedom Day with Documentary Heritage

World Press Freedom Day (3 May) pays homage to freedom of the press as an essential part of democratic, informed, and participatory societies. It calls for a reflection on its history, evaluation of the current state of press freedom around the world, and for remembrance of those journalists who have lost their lives providing access to information.

Libraries Stand Out in Special Rapporteur’s Report on Cultural Rights of Migrants

Libraries not only depend on human rights to deliver their services – they actively contribute to their realisation. The values of libraries and many aspects of their missions are interlinked with ensuring access to information and freedom of expression. Both of these fundamental freedoms are also aspects of cultural rights. For their many actions to enable participation in cultural life, libraries can be considered cultural rights defenders.

IFLA Celebrates World Book Day with a Spotlight on Indigenous Languages

Every year, UNESCO invites the international community to celebrate World Book and Copyright Day on 23 April. This day recognises books as a “link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations and across cultures” and calls for celebrations of the power and joy of books.

IFLA at the QNL Libraries Lead Forum: GLAMs and Cultural Diplomacy

Qatar National Library held its second annual Libraries Lead Forum from 19-20 March 2023 in Doha, Qatar. This year’s forum explored how galleries, libraries, archives, and museums (GLAM institutions) carry out cultural diplomacy.