The regional units are an important part of IFLA’s overall structure. IFLA’s global reach and geographical diversity is articulated across six different regions: Asia-Oceania, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Middle East and North Africa, North America, Sub-Saharan Africa. The current mandate of the Regional Council and Regional Division Committees extends until August 2025. As part of our nominations and elections process, you can now nominate yourself or others for our upcoming regional units for the 2025-2027 term! This is a chance to boost your career and help shape the future of global librarianship!

Meet the current chairs of the Regional Council and Regional Divisions and see why engagement matters to them:

IFLA Regional Council

IFLA Regional Council

As chair of the IFLA Regional Council, I believe that participating in a regional committee is an invaluable opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from diverse cultures and contexts, and to strengthen the global impact of IFLA. These committees allow us to share knowledge, learn from the experiences of others, and work together on projects that address the needs of our communities. Additionally, maintaining close contact with libraries, librarians, and communities around the world is essential for better understanding their realities and building inclusive and accessible solutions for all.

Visit IFLA’s Regional Council webpage for more!

IFLA Regional Divisions

Asia and Oceania

Our voice from this part of the World can be heard, understood and represented even though we come from different types of libraries and societies! We are united in the same cause.

Visit IFLA’s Asia-Oceania Regional Division Committee webpage for more!

Europe

I believe that regional committees provide a versatile communication and collaboration environment for IFLA, a global professional organization, and as a librarian, I think this is a unique opportunity. Working with representatives from regions with different needs, ways of doing business, and priorities in the regional council provides a unique environment to grasp the concept of global librarianship. Effective and efficient communication and collaboration support the IFLA strategies focused on worldwide advocacy, diversity, and sustainability. I am proud to be a part of the Regional Council and the European Regional Division Committee works and to contribute to global advocacy work.

Visit IFLA’s Europe Division Committee webpage for more!

Latin America and the Caribbean

Participating in an IFLA regional committee, such as IFLALAC, is a unique opportunity to represent the needs and achievements of libraries in the region, ensuring that their voices are heard globally. In addition, it allows you to connect with international initiatives, promoting global collaboration and the exchange of ideas. This strengthens the internationalization of the library sector, highlighting the value of cultural diversity and the impact of libraries on sustainable development.

Visit IFLA’s Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Division Committee webpage for more!

Middle East and North Africa

Engaging in the IFLA Regional Division for the MENA region is particularly rewarding for several reasons. The MENA region, rich in cultural heritage and undergoing rapid technological and educational transformation, presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the balance between preserving this heritage and embracing modern advancements. Being part of the IFLA committee allows you to play a role in helping libraries in the region navigate this dynamic landscape.

Visit IFLA’s Middle East and North Africa Regional Division Committee webpage for more!

North America

Engaging with the work of the NA Regional Division has been both personally fulfilling and professionally enriching. For anyone considering other volunteer opportunities within IFLA, focusing on the region is a logical next step. The Regional Divisions offer a unique chance to contribute to regional advocacy efforts, foster meaningful collaboration with sister IFLA Sections and Library Associations, and make a tangible impact. Additionally, the experience is enriched by the privilege of working alongside incredible colleagues from around the globe.

Visit IFLA’s North America Regional Division Committee webpage for more!

Sub-Saharan Africa

IFLA’s Regional Divisions and Regional Council have played a key role in helping regions position themselves globally As the Chair of the Sub-Saharan African Regional Division, I also sit on the Regional Council, where I gain insight into global concerns.

Additionally, the Regional Council acts as a bridge to other IFLA bodies, such as the Professional Council and IFLA HQ. When Regional Council members come together to consolidate ideas and present a unified call for support, their collective voice is much stronger.

Visit IFLA’s Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Division Committee webpage for more!

Chair of the Regional Council 2025-2027

Eligible Nominees in alphabetical order:

  • Ayanda Lebele – RDC Chair
  • Diane Koen – RDC Chair
  • Eman Abushulaibi – RDC Vice-Chair
  • Ertuğrul Çimen – RDC Chair
  • Evviva Weinraub Lajoie – RDC Vice-Chair
  • Jeannette Lebron Ramos – RDC Chair
  • Lin Li Soh – RDC Chair
  • Marcie Hopkins – RDC Vice-Chair
  • Monica Mensah Danquah – RDC Vice-Chair
  • Saif AlJabri – RDC Chair
  • Sanjay Kumar Bihani – RDC Vice-Chair
  • Verónica Jacqueline Maigua Delgado – RDC Vice-Chair

Nominees’ names are being received daily, so this list will be updated here, once nominations have been received.

Nominations explained

See the infographic below on how to ensure a valid nomination.

*Remember that when it comes to nominations to the Regional Division Committees, your nominee form needs to be validated by a nominator’s form from an IFLA Member or Affiliate in your region.

Read more here.