Central Asian city Astana marks a milestone by becoming the initial host of the IFLA World Library Congress
The IFLA World Library Congress, the most significant annual gathering in the field of library and information services, is currently underway in Astana, Kazakhstan. Over 1,600 delegates from 114 countries are attending this historic event, marking the first time a city in Central Asia has hosted the prestigious congress.
The theme of this year's congress, "Connecting Knowledge, Building the Future," reflects the importance of libraries as living institutions that can help shape societies, support sustainable development, and strengthen international cooperation. Libraries, the congress emphasises, are more than repositories of books; they are vital spaces for fostering innovation, creativity, and civic dialogue.
The IFLA World Library Congress in Astana provides a stage for reflection on the role of libraries in the 21st century. Particular focus is given to how libraries can leverage artificial intelligence and digital resources while safeguarding cultural heritage. The event offers delegates from Europe and beyond the opportunity to connect with colleagues from regions less frequently represented on the global library stage.
The programme of the congress includes over 80 professional sessions covering topics such as digital library guidelines, preservation techniques, cataloguing standards, and artificial intelligence. Highlights include a welcoming address from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, a global book flash mob, a keynote speech by Dr Kais Hammami, and guided visits to public, school, and university libraries in Astana.
Hosting the IFLA World Library Congress is a significant milestone for Kazakhstan's tourism industry. It promotes business tourism, raises the international profile of Kazakh cities, and encourages cultural discovery. Delegates attending the congress will have the chance to explore Astana's modern skyline, museums, and the steppe landscapes beyond the capital, with many expected to extend their stay.
Kazakhstan aims to generate €10 billion in tourism revenue and welcome 15 million visitors by 2029, and events such as the IFLA Congress directly support this strategy. The congress also serves as a platform for cross-cultural collaboration, connecting libraries with governments, ministries, and policymakers.
The IFLA World Library Congress in Astana underlines Kazakhstan's willingness to be a bridge between East and West and to invest in knowledge as a driver of both social and economic development. By hosting this prestigious event, Astana places itself firmly on the global cultural map.
The congress aims to engage the public and foster a stronger connection between libraries and communities. Specific institutions or groups automatically invited to the IFLA World Library Congress 2022 in Astana to strengthen regional cultural heritage and the international library community are not detailed in the available search results.
Delegations from Kazakhstan, the United States, China, South Korea, Germany, and Japan are among the largest represented at the IFLA World Library Congress in Astana. The 89th edition of the IFLA World Library Congress is being held in Astana, Kazakhstan from 18 to 22 August. Discussions this year focus heavily on how libraries can remain relevant to younger generations, serving as inclusive spaces for education, creativity, and civic dialogue.
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