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 Sharon Memis, IFLA Secretary General.

First session of the 30th CDNLAO meeting – 16 November 2024

On 15 November, 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 the second day, CDNLAO began with a keynote speech by Sharon Memis, Secretary-General of IFLA. She welcomed all attendees and conference guests and noted 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 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including participation in high-level political forums and regional sustainable development meetings.

In his keynote speech, Mr. Hamad Al-Hamiri, NLA Director of Research and Knowledge Services Department, and representative of the National Library, 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. This campaign aimed to raise awareness and encourage innovation, as well as strengthen the United Arab Emirates’ position as a global leader in sustainable practices at the local and international levels. Mr. Hamad noted the efforts of all institutions, including those in the library sector, in contributing to the pioneering national campaign.

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. 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 the participants toured the Mohammed bin Rashid Library.

Juok Park, Director-General, National Library for Children and Young Adults National Library of Korea & Jinseo Moon during the tour at Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

In the evening, the conference guests and participants enjoyed an exceptional experience of authentic Arabic hospitality in the United Arab Emirates through a special dinner for VIPs on the banks of the Dubai Creek, a unique atmosphere that combines innovation and celebration of UAE traditions, accentuated by an exceptional drone show, lasting for 12 minutes.

Amazing drone show above the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

On the third day of the conference, the National Library of Viet Nam participated with a presentation titled “Green Libraries and Environmental Sustainability”. The presentation showcases the green and sustainable library which consists of structures that are designed to minimize negative effects on the natural environment and maximize indoor environmental quality.

Moreover, the third theme of the conference on “Educating the Community about Sustainability through Libraries” also saw six presentations by the National Library of Korea, the National Library of Malaysia, the National Library of Myanmar, the National Library and Archives (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 emphasized the importance of combining the efforts of all libraries by activating partnerships to build knowledge societies. In the evening, the Conference delegates visited the Al Shindagha Museum.

The National Library of Kuwait expressed interest in hosting the 31st CDNLAO in 2025 and looked forward to meeting all participants in person once again.

Contributed by The National Library and Archives, United Arab Emirates