At the start of the 2023-2025 term, the SSA Regional Division Committee (RDC) aimed to enhance partnerships with various professional sections, development partners, and networks. As they conclude their term, they proudly present a multi-layered collaboration; a baton handing  to the  2025-2027 committee and commitment to continue supporting it for a sustained LIS profession in the region

In June 2025, IFLA SSA RDC officers held a foundational meeting with the Climate Heritage Network (CHN) – Africa & Arab States Secretariat. Both IFLA and CHN agreed to find program they could work together in to inform policies and practices that bridge climate action, cultural heritage, and community resilience. The involvement of the IFLA Africa Regional Office at this take-off showcased SSA RDC’s commitment to working in union with the office.

Africa Climate Summit

By mid-July 2025, a collaborative opportunity arose. SSA RDC and CHN submitted proposals to host side events at the Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, scheduled for September 8-10, 2025. The planned side events are:

  1. September 8: Heritage in Climate Policy: Aligning NDCs with Culture-Based Adaptation
    Focus: Advocating for the integration of cultural heritage into African climate strategies and financial frameworks.
  2. September 9: Mobilizing Culture and Heritage for Climate Resilience: African Solutions from the Ground Up
    Focus: Showcasing indigenous knowledge, local practices, and heritage-based adaptation strategies.

The partners are in the process of finalizing event preparations and are actively seeking influential speakers, such as ministers and permanent secretaries, alongside experts in climate and heritage.

Workshop for LIS Professionals

Taking advantage of their presence in Addis Ababa, the SSA RDC will conduct a workshop for Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals. This workshop will focus on capacity building in advocacy, professional networking, and promoting IFLA membership. IFLA is excited to support this collaboration with the University of South Africa (Unisa), Addis Ababa University, and the IFLA Africa Office, featuring discussions on how libraries can contribute to building climate-resilient communities.

Workshop Details:

  • Title: From Insights to Action: Advancing Professional Networking for Advocacy and a Sustainable LIS Service in Sub-Saharan Africa
  • Date: September 10, 2025
  • Venue: Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
  • Time: 08:30 hrs

The upcoming events at Africa Climate Summit and the LIS workshop are poised to create impactful dialogues and foster professional growth in the region. The committee will share updates throughout all the events. It is also hoped that there will be more impactful initiatives that will be born from these events.