Dubai, UAE, 23 August 2025: As part of its commitment to strengthening its presence in international forums, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library concluded its participation in the 89th edition of the IFLA World Library and Information Congress. Under the theme 'Uniting Knowledge, Building the Future', the forum was held from 18 to 22 August, 2025, in Astana, Kazakhstan. During its participation, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library reviewed key services and initiatives, along with its advanced technologies and specialised facilities. It also introduced the Mohammed bin Rashid Arabic Language Award. The library's booth welcomed visits from leaders and decision-makers in the knowledge sector, as well as library experts from more than 150 countries, including heads of library associations, government officials, and academics. The event welcomed delegations from the Emirates Libraries and Information Association, the National Library and Archives, the House of Wisdom, Zayed University, the Sultanate of Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, South Africa, Scotland, Germany, Malaysia, Mongolia, and Moldova. Among the distinguished guests who visited the library booth were Gulzhan Irzhanova, President of the Association of University Libraries in Kazakhstan; Dr. Heba Ismail, President of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information; Dr. Gulbadan Madibayeva, Head of Centralized Library System of Astana City; and Professor Gulmira Nurzhanova, Rector of the Kazakh National Women’s Teacher Training University. These visits served as a valuable platform for dialogue on opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the development of strategic partnerships aimed at advancing sustainable development goals regionally and internationally. The library team also met with Vicky McDonald, President of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), who was honored for her prominent role in supporting and developing the library sector globally. McDonald presented a special session discussing IFLA's efforts around the world, and highlighting her visit to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library. Furthermore, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library team participated in several workshops, which focused on enhancing the role of libraries in development and knowledge, and keeping pace with global transformations. The workshops addressed diverse topics such as comprehensive access to information, supporting people of determination and displaced persons, navigating copyright considerations, enhancing librarian productivity, research infrastructure, artificial intelligence, food and climate security, heritage preservation, disaster preparedness, and combating fake news. The workshops also showcased practical applications of artificial intelligence tools and presented approximately 160 scientific posters. An open dialogue session was also held in the library booth, discussing major issues such as 'Braille Book Standards', in cooperation with The DAISY Consortium, and the prospects for nominations for cultural awards in collaboration with the Federation of Library and Information Institutions (FLIA). Additionally, heads of departments and experts were invited to attend the Dubai International Library and Publishing Summit 2025, scheduled for October 2025. The library delegation concluded its participation in the conference with a field trip to the main public libraries in Astana. This included the Number One Children's Library and the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which is home to Fyodor Dostoevsky’s collection of rare maps and Qur’ans. On the sidelines of the event, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library received symbolic gifts, including the book 'Ilham: Portrait of a President' from the National Library of Azerbaijan and the book '100 Masterpieces' from the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, to reflect international appreciation for the library's role as a hub for knowledge and innovation. |
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