CDNLAO Newsletter
No. 105, March 2025
The National Library and Archives (NLA) in cooperation with Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in the United Arab Emirates, hosted the 30th Conference of Directors of National Libraries in Asia and Oceania (CDNLAO) 2024, titled "Libraries and Sustainability". Held in Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai from 15-17 November 2024, the conference attracted 33 attendees from 16 countries, along with Ms. Sharon Memis, IFLA Secretary General.
< First Session of the 30th CDNLAO meeting – November 16, 2024 >
On November 15, the Directors of National Libraries and their delegations participated in the opening session of the First Edition of Dubai International Library Conference 2024 titled "Our Libraries: Past, Present and Future". It was one of the most prominent events in the library and information sector at the local and international levels, followed by a group dinner at Mohammed Bin Rashid Library.
< The delegates of the 30th CDNLAO at Mohammed Bin Rashid Library >
On November 16, the activities of the CDNLAO began with a keynote speech by Ms. Sharon Memis, Secretary-General of IFLA. She welcomed all attendees and conference guests, adding that libraries provide an existing, adaptable, well-established, and inclusive framework for fostering development at all levels, either independently or through partnerships. She emphasized the collaboration between the IFLA and the SDGs, including participation in high-level political forums and regional sustainable development meetings.
Mr. Hamad Al-Hamiri, NLA Director of Research and Knowledge Services Department, and representative of the National Library, in his keynote speech welcomed the conference participants and wished them a successful conference. He introduced the slogan of the Conference connected to the "Year of Sustainability"- announced in 2023 and extended to 2024. Mr. Hamad referred to the efforts of all institutions, including the library sector, in contributing to the pioneering national campaign aimed at raising awareness and encouraging innovation, as well as strengthening the United Arab Emirates' position as a global leader in sustainable practices at the local and international levels.
The conference had three themes:
- The Role of Libraries in Supporting Sustainable Development Goals.
- Green Libraries and Environmental Sustainability.
- Educating the Community about Sustainability through Libraries.
Six countries shared their expertise on the first theme titled "The Role of Libraries in Supporting Sustainable Development Goals". The sessions included presentations by speakers representing the National Library of China, the Department of the National Library (the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan), the National Library of Kuwait, the National Library of Thailand, the National Library of Sri Lanka and the National Library Board, Singapore. By the end of the sessions, all participants made a tour at Mohammed bin Rashid Library. In the evening, the conference guests and participants had an exceptional experience of authentic Arabic hospitality in the United Arab Emirates, in addition to attending a special dinner for VIPs on the banks of the Dubai Creek, with a unique atmosphere that combined innovation and celebration of UAE traditions, punctuated by an exceptional show of drones, lasting for 12 minutes.
< Ms. Juok Park, Director-General, National Library for Children and Young Adults National Library of Korea & Ms. Jinseo Moon during the tour at Mohammed Bin Rashid Library >
< Amazing drone show at Mohammed Bin Rashid Library >
On November 17, the National Library of Viet Nam participated with a presentation titled "Green Libraries and Environmental Sustainability". The presentation showcased the "GREEN LIBRARY" -known as a "SUSTAINABLE LIBRARY" -which consists of structures that are designed to minimize negative effects on the natural environment and maximize indoor environmental quality.
Moreover, the agenda also embraced six presentations related to the theme titled "Educating the Community about Sustainability through Libraries" provided by the National Library of Korea, the National Library of Malaysia, the National Library of Myanmar, the National Library and Archives (the United Arab Emirates), and the National Library of Indonesia, in addition to the National Library of India.
The conference concluded with a closing speech by Mr. Hamad Slayem Al- Hamiri, Representative of the National Library and Archives. He expressed his gratitude to all participants and speakers who shared their experiences about sustainability. He empathized the importance of combining the efforts of all libraries by activating partnerships to build knowledge societies.
The National Library of Kuwait expressed interest in hosting the 31st CDNLAO in 2025, looking forward to meeting all participants in person once again.
Copyright (C) 2025 National Library and Archives, the United Arab Emirates
