IFLA advocates for libraries to be recognised as essential partners for inclusive, sustainable development, through their work to provide meaningful access to information for all.

Economically, socially and environmentally sustainable development depends on access to information. Without it, everyone – from the individual to the global level – is deprived of the ability to make the right decisions, to innovate, to participate, and to benefit from the right to science and culture.

In turn, libraries are essential for meaningful and equitable access to information, focused on giving everyone the possibility and skills to make the most of information.

Present in almost every city and town around the world, our institutions, therefore, offer a unique reach and potential to achieve policy goals across the board, in particular those set out in the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

IFLA works hard to provide tools, support and guidance to help library associations, libraries and librarians work to advocate, build partnerships, and be recognised and supported in national policy planning.

In parallel, IFLA leads engagement with international organisations such as the United Nations in order to build global understanding globally of the power of libraries as partners for development.