Advocacy and Collaboration in a Time of Global Upheaval: Insights from IFLA Regional Divisions

Abstract

At the 2025 IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) in Astana, the IFLA Regional Council brought together librarians and advocates from across the globe to reflect on the pressing challenges facing libraries in an era of political polarization, social unrest, and digital transformation. Under the theme "Advocacy and Collaboration in a Time of Global Upheaval: A Unified Response from the IFLA Regional Divisions," the session highlighted how libraries are navigating censorship pressures, promoting multicultural engagement, championing access to information in overlooked communities, and responding to emerging threats to democratic participation. The presentations spanned continents and contexts, from European courts to Canadian prisons, from African misinformation campaigns to Latin American policy initiatives, demonstrating that while challenges vary by region, the library profession's commitment to intellectual freedom, equity, and democratic values remains universal. The full recording of the session is available on the IFLA YouTube channel.