Reflections on the World Library and Information Congress by First-Time Attendee

Reflections on the World Library and Information Congress by First-Time Attendee 

It was an absolute honour to be selected for an IFLA Emerging Leader Grant this year, an award that allowed me to attend the World Library and Information Congress 2025 in Astana, Kazakhstan with the theme of ‘Uniting Knowledge, Building the Future’. I extend my gratitude to IFLA for the opportunity to participate in Congress activities, learn from colleagues, contribute to global discussions, and represent Aotearoa New Zealand and the public library sector internationally.

My Congress experience began with IFLA Camp, hosted by the New Professionals Special Interest Group for first time attendees. We met with local Kazakh colleagues and explored how libraries can remain relevant in our rapidly changing communities. Conversations centred on community-led design, inclusivity, and innovative service models from around the world. The rich experience of participants from diverse contexts highlighted how libraries are both deeply local and profoundly global.

Observing the Asia–Oceania Regional Division Committee meeting was another highlight. Priority areas around collaboration, digital inclusion, and outreach felt highly relevant, and I valued the opportunity to build connections with partners from across the region. Networking throughout the week, from caucus meetings to presentations and lunches with colleagues, reinforced the value of collaboration and peer support.

As part of the Emerging Leaders cohort, I had the privilege of presenting in the ‘Leadership in Libraries’ session during Congress. I spoke about leadership from an Aotearoa New Zealand perspective, drawing on Māori values of manaakitanga, mātauranga, and whanaungatanga as key informants of our practice. Another of my tasks as a grant recipient is to contribute to IFLA’s Trend Report through reporting on weak signals observed during Congress. Weak signals are the early indicators of potential trends that may shape library work in the future. This reporting will help inform IFLA’s ongoing global trend analysis.

Across the approximate 100 hours’ worth of sessions and events I attended over 7 days, the key theme of ‘Uniting Knowledge, Building the Future’ saw democracy, information literacy, and AI being prominent topics. A key message that stayed with me came from Aotearoa’s very own IFLA President-Elect, Te Paea Paringatai, in her reminder to “be people driven rather than purpose driven – it is our enduring commitment to people that sustains leadership through change and challenge”.

This Congress has expanded my skills, networks, and sense of responsibility to my community, and our sector. I thank IFLA again for the Emerging Leader Grant which enabled my participation. I also extend my gratitude to Kim Taunga, Public Libraries of New Zealand (PLNZ), Auckland Council, Te Rōpū Whakahau, LIANZA, and all my Aotearoa-based colleagues in attendance for their support and encouragement on this journey.

I would highly recommend IFLA involvement to any new or established library professionals. Find an opportunity to contribute, the value gained through the global perspective is immense!

He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.

What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.

Contributed by Dany Miller-Kareko, Aotearoa New Zealand, IFLA Emerging Leader Grant Recipient