Ready to unite knowledge and build the future? Then this Congress is for you!

As you may know, the 89th IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) is coming to Astana, Kazakhstan from 18-22 August 2025. This is the first ever edition of IFLA’s flagship event to be held in Central Asia and furthers IFLA’s role in developing the international library field.

WLIC has a unique power to catalyse energy and growth in host countries and regions, as well as to offer new perspectives for all participants. Meeting in Astana will provide an exceptional opportunity for discovery and learning for colleagues in the heart of Central Asia, a unique crossroads of cultures.

What to expect

We’ve got a dynamic and stimulating experience in store, including:

  • A packed programme featuring world-renowned keynote speakers; over 100 IFLA open sessions; and over 100 WLIC delegate-driven Poster Sessions
  • A librarian-powered flashmob and an unmissable Cultural Evening
  • Exciting Satellite Meetings in Astana
  • Pre- and post-Congress Tours in Astana and the surrounding area
  • Full and half-day Library Visits in Astana
  • Lively exhibits at the Congress Center

IFLA WLIC 2025 will incorporate different concepts, from peer-learning and on-the-ground case studies to high-level thought leaders challenging our assumptions. Astana itself is a modern city, and one which highlights Kazakhstan’s rich, diverse, and vital cultural heritage. IFLA expects the Congress to draw a large and eager group of delegates from surrounding countries such as Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in addition to areas such as South Asia, China and Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and the MENA region—each which lie within easy reach of Astana.

Want to get a sense of Astana and Kazakhstan in advance? Have a look at our Read Kazakhstan campaign! Then dive into our curated, future-focused programme that ranges from AI and libraries, climate change empowerment, information integrity, and libraries supporting democracy, to libraries as springboards for national development, Open Science/Open Scholarship, and information integrity.

And to remember

  • If you are from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan or Turkmenistan you pay the early bird member fee, regardless of your membership status or the time of booking!
  • If you are an IFLA member, then you’ll get a fantastic discount on registration! Not a member? Join IFLA now and pay less!
  • Planning your trip? Check out the FAQs, Visa guidelines webpages, or request a letter of invitation.

So, join us in Astana and take a seat at the table with your peers from around the world!