Qatar National Library (QNL) is hosting the 36th Conference of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information (AFLI), a three-day event exploring the intersection of digital justice, global citizenship, and the knowledge economy in the Arab world. The conference is organized under the theme “Digital Justice and Arab Information Institutions: Fostering Partnerships, Sustainability, and Transformation.”
Held from 23 to 25 November 2025 at Education City, the event brings together librarians, scholars, tech experts, and policymakers from across the region to explore how Arab libraries can harness emerging technologies to advance inclusive and sustainable access to knowledge.
The opening ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation and the Chairperson of QNL Board of Trustees; His Excellency Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kawari, Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library; and Dr. Nabehan Al-Harrasi, President of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information.
In his keynote remarks opening the conference, His Excellency Dr. Hamad Al-Kawari remarked: “This year’s theme speaks directly to the critical juncture at which our region stands. Digital justice is no longer an abstract ideal but an urgent imperative—vital not only for safeguarding our identity, but for propelling the Arab world from a passive consumer of knowledge to an active architect of it. To realize this vision, we must look beyond simply increasing Arabic content online; we need to forge unified strategies and institutionalize open access policies that guarantee knowledge as a fundamental right for all.
He added: “We view this conference as a watershed moment for regional collaboration. It is our hope that this gathering will reinvigorate our collective efforts to advance digital justice, enrich Arabic scholarship, and foster sustainable professional practices across the region.”
Over the course of the three-day program, participants will examine six central themes: Digital Justice and Equitable Access to Knowledge in Arab Information Institutions; Sustainable Practices for Advancing Digital Justice; Open Science and Its Role in Supporting Digital Justice; Global Citizenship through Digital Empowerment; Information Science and Cross-Disciplinary Integration to Advance Digital Justice; and Arab Experiences in Achieving Digital Justice and Shaping an Inclusive, Sustainable Digital Future.
Discussions will focus on how libraries and information institutions in the Arab world can leverage artificial intelligence, big data, open science, and open data platforms to bridge the digital divide, address algorithmic bias, and provide equitable access to information. Participants will also explore the importance of cross-sector collaboration spanning education, healthcare, the economy, and culture in promoting sustainable and inclusive digital practices.
Abeer Saad Al Kuwari, Director of National Collections and Special Initiatives at Qatar National Library, said QNL’s commitment to digitization aims not only to keep pace with global developments, but also to enable Arab libraries to be an active part of the global digital landscape, contributing to the enrichment of Arabic content on the internet.
"At Qatar National Library, we see ourselves as an integral part of the Arab knowledge fabric, and Qatar’s wise leadership has been keen to position the country as an active player in the Arab world, stemming from our pride in our identity and culture."
The conference highlights the evolving role of libraries as hubs of digital literacy, sustainability, and intercultural understanding, fostering access to knowledge, encouraging open science, and supporting digital empowerment for communities across the region.
