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Astana hosted the 89th World Library and information Congress of the International Library Association and the Federation of institutions (IFLA) (IFLA WLIC 2025) on the theme:"uniting knowledge and forming the future".
This large-scale international event has become an important cultural event that has shown the library business of Kazakhstan and Central Asia as a whole on the world stage. The Congress was attended by 1,852 delegates from 114 countries of the world, including 454 librarians from Kazakhstan. This indicator proves the growing authority of our country in the world library community and the expansion of its influence in the professional sphere. The Congress has become a unique professional platform for sharing experiences, discussing innovations and jointly shaping the future of libraries, focusing on the topics of digitalization, inclusion and sustainability.
At the National kurultai last year, head of state Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the principle of "honest man – honest work – honest success" and stressed that the development of the library industry is one of the most important areas for the country's strategic development. In this context, the IFLA Congress gave a new impetus to the library industry of Kazakhstan and created a great opportunity to strengthen international experience and professional ties.
Among the main directions of the large-scale Forum, I was particularly impressed by the meeting of the National Library section "accumulation in the digital age: inclusiveness and sustainability". The seminar discussed the preservation of digital resources, digitalization of the national cultural heritage and the formation of an accessible information environment for all. The session" libraries – incubator of civil society " also highlighted the role of libraries in strengthening democracy and civic participation. And the panel" libraries ready for the future: introducing artificial intelligence into information literacy " considered the effectiveness of artificial intelligence technologies in the field of education and information activities. In her speech, IFLA President Donna Schider emphasized the importance of libraries in achieving global Sustainable Development Goals: "let's do our best to make the most of institutions that can provide access to data arrays, knowledge sources and information and communication technologies that people need to achieve Sustainable Development. Libraries are active partners in the data age, helping everyone to meet 2030 at a decent level," he said. This word makes it clear that libraries are not just an information institution, but a leading force in the intellectual and cultural development of society.
Within the framework of the Congress, poster sessions were organized, where the poster of Aktobe librarian Aizada Uteshova was among the best, which proved the high professional level of Kazakh librarians and the strengthening of the country's international authority.
Volunteering at IFLA is a unique practice that not only provides organizational assistance, but also creates a new vision and strengthens international professional unity. The IFLA volunteer program received 389 applications from 45 countries of the world, from which 235 people were selected. 135 of them are Kazakhstani volunteers. Being among the best volunteers was a great honor and a great opportunity for professional and personal growth.
I participated in the World Congress together with my supervisor, candidate of Pedagogical Sciences Gulmira Isatayevna. In the summer, as a volunteer, I spent five days working in organizational, information and cultural areas, gaining professional experience at the international level. During the Congress, I exchanged views with colleagues from the USA, Malaysia, Czech Republic, China and established a network of contacts that will serve as the basis for future scientific and professional partnership.
The most valuable thing about volunteering was a platform for me to get acquainted directly with the culture and professional experience of different countries, improve my language and cultural communication skills, and improve the culture of scientific communication. At the same time, working in a multinational environment increases responsibility and adaptability, and develops a culture of working in a scientific team.
International volunteering has become one of the most important stages in my personal and professional formation.
Shynar MUKASHEVA,
Specialty "Library Information Systems"
1st year doctoral student
