Qatar National Library concluded the ‘Libraries Lead’ annual forum on 24 May 2022. The two-day forum provided a platform for libraries and institutions to share their efforts to advocate for the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with discussions focusing on library programs, services, collaborations, and initiatives that drive progress for the SDGs.
The first day of the forum was opened by His Excellency Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al-Kawari, Minister of State, Qatar and President of Qatar National Library. In his opening speech Dr. Al-Kawari said, “The first edition of the annual ‘Libraries Lead’ forum aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and the commitment of Qatar and the Library to the SDGs. There is no doubt that libraries are a key partner of the UN in achieving the SDGs because the SDGs are based on access to information, learning, knowledge exchange, application and implementation in various fields.”
Topics discussed on the opening day included, “The role of the IFLA in Supporting Libraries in Implementing SDGs,” by Barbara Lison, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) President; the “Planning and Statistics Authority’s Role in Accomplishing the SDGs in Qatar,” by Dr. Jamal Al Yafei, Assistant Director of Strategic Planning, Planning and Statistics Authority, Qatar; and “MENA Libraries and SDGs: An Insight into a Challenging Opportunity,” by Dr. Imad Bachir, IFLA Chair of MENA Regional Division. There was also a special message given by Dana Al-Anzy, Qatar Youth Ambassador to the Youth Assembly.
Commenting on the event Ms. Lison said, “The forum is a great initiative by Qatar National Library and I am sure, one of many to help shed light around the importance of the UN SDGs and what impact Library’s play in achieving them through their services and programs. I am impressed with the initiatives and projects demonstrated by the Library and also the Arab region. It is wonderful to see the Library combining its knowledge with other libraries regionally and internationally to help achieve the UN SDGs. I congratulate the organizers and contributors of this forum and hope for a great future for the ‘Libraries Lead’ forum.”
The day concluded with booth tours showcasing local organisations that are contributing to the UN SDGs followed by a panel discussion titled, “Engaging Stakeholders: Getting the Message Out to Decision Makers and Influencers.” The discussion was moderated by Abeer Al-Kuwari, Director of Research and Learning Services at Qatar National Library with panel speakers, Ms. Lison, Dr. Bachir, Dr. Clara Chu, Director of the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs, Ms. Tan Huism, Executive Director of Qatar National Library and Ms. Farida Aboudan, Program Specialist of the UNESCO Office for the Gulf Countries and Yemen.
Ms. Tan said, “ The ‘Libraries Lead’ forum has been a positive and insightful conference for library professionals and our community. We are committed now more than ever to promoting universal literacy, providing access to information, advancing digital inclusion, preserving and provide access to the Arab region’s culture and heritage and serving as a centre for research in line with our mission and objectives and to align with Qatar’s National Vision 2030.”
“Libraries play a vital role in improving outcomes across the UN SDGs, and forums such as this help to educate and share knowledge with library professionals and experts as well as the community on the importance of the Library’s contribution to the UN SDGs. Thank you to all those who contributed to the organization and establishment of this important forum and I hope all our participants found this event insightful,” she added.
The second day of the forum held additional sessions discussing several topics around libraries as catalysts for achieving the UN SDGs. These included, “Libraries and the Maker Movement,” by Dr. Evren Tok, Assistant Dean of Innovation and Community Engagement at College of Islamic Studies at Hamad Bin Khalifa University; “How Libraries and Information Centers in the Sultanate of Oman can be an Essential Partner to Achieve the Sustainable Development in Oman Vision 2040,” by Waleed bin Ali bin Salem Al-Badi, Director of Majlis Library, Sultanate of Oman; and “Empowering Women at the Lebanese University Libraries,” by Dr. Amal Qashor, Head of the Department of Information and Data Science and Farah Sbeity, Lecturer at the Department of Information and Library Management at the Lebanese University, Lebanon. Short sessions were also given by local and international library professionals that discussed various subjects around lifelong learning programs, education literacy, sports awareness and community engagement. The event ended with an award and appreciation ceremony presented by Ms. Tan.
The ‘Libraries Lead’ forum provides a platform for all librarians and community members who are interested in supporting the UN’s SDGs to be able to access information, listen to new ideas and engage in important topics to help drive progress for the SDGs.
