From 18–22 August, Astana hosted the IFLA World Library and Information Congress, bringing together over 1700 participants from 114 countries.

The Congress agenda addressed some of the most pressing and forward-looking topics in the library world:

Future-ready libraries: integrating AI and information literacy

Children’s libraries as centers of intellectual and creative development

Climate initiatives in libraries

Strong partnerships for the book sector

New models of leadership in libraries

On the final day, alongside the inspiring and festive Closing Ceremony, the Library Leadership Session also took place, where the winners of the Emerging Leaders Programme, including Naira Atshemyan, Board Member of the Armenian Library Association, shared their perspectives on leadership.

These days were not only a platform for knowledge and experience exchange, but also a strong reminder that libraries continue to be a driving force for social development, global cooperation, and shaping the future.