At the 2025 IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Astana, library leaders from across the globe gathered to address a pressing question: How can libraries defend democratic values and intellectual freedom during an era of political polarization, censorship threats, and digital transformation?

The IFLA Regional Council session “Advocacy and Collaboration in a Time of Global Upheaval” brought together voices from North America, Europe, Asia-Oceania, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East and North Africa to share how libraries are responding to these challenges—from fighting censorship in German courts to supporting incarcerated communities in Canada, from combating misinformation in Sub-Saharan Africa to creating multicultural digital spaces in Macao.

The presentations revealed that while local contexts differ dramatically, libraries worldwide share common ground: they’re evolving from knowledge repositories into active defenders of democracy, equity, and access to information.

Whether it’s the Serbian Library Association fighting financially destructive policies, the LiBri project supporting displaced communities across Europe, or Singapore’s AI-powered cultural storytelling initiative, libraries are proving their resilience and relevance. These initiatives demonstrate that collaboration, evidence-based advocacy, and community partnerships are essential tools for navigating uncertain times.

Read the full article to explore how libraries across continents are redefining their role as guardians of intellectual freedom and community builders, and what strategies are proving most effective in strengthening the library profession’s global impact. You can also watch the session again on our YouTube channel.