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The message below accompanies the August 2025 edition of the IFLA Newsletter.

Astana, the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan, is proud to host the 89th World Library and Information Congress of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA WLIC). This landmark event holds particular significance for the Kazakhstani library community, offering a unique opportunity to draw attention to the pressing issues and challenges faced by libraries in the country today and suggest ways and tools for solving them.

As highlighted by Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during his speech at the third meeting of the National Kurultai in March 2024, themed “Adal adam – Adal enbek – Adal tabys (Honest person – Honest work – Honest income),” the development of librarianship is among the country’s top state priorities. Many public, university, and school libraries in Kazakhstan take pride in their accomplishments in library design, the adoption of modern technologies, and the delivery of high-quality information and library services.

At the same time, we should also recognise that the absence of a unified national programme for the development of all types of libraries limits opportunities for innovation and long-term growth. Libraries are in urgent need of systematic modernisation, digital transformation, sustainable funding, professional capacity-building and integration into the international library community and the global information infrastructure.

The IFLA WLIC 2025 in Astana opens a window of opportunity for Kazakhstani librarians and the country as a whole. We see the event as a catalyst for developing a national strategy for the sustainable advancement of library and information services, for creating conditions that support professional development, and for integrating Kazakhstani libraries into the global professional network.

Hosting the IFLA WLIC 2025 is not only a great honour — it is also a challenge. We eagerly look forward to welcoming librarians from around the world to Astana — a modern, dynamic, and culturally rich city. The people of Kazakhstan have always been known for their hospitality, and we are confident that every guest will leave the country after the WLIC not only with new knowledge and professional connections but also with warm memories.

Welcome to Kazakhstan — the land of the Great Steppe and the future of library cooperation!

Happy reading! 🦅

Gulzhan Irzhanova
Chair of the IFLA WLIC 2025 National Committee