Astana has made history by becoming the first city in Central Asia to host the World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). The 89th edition of the event, held from 18 to 22 August, brings together more than 1,600 delegates from 114 countries, including library directors, educators, publishers, researchers and information specialists.
The congress is taking place under the theme “Connecting Knowledge, Building the Future”, highlighting the evolving role of libraries in the digital era and their enduring mission as cultural, educational and community anchors.
A global gathering of library professionals
The IFLA World Library Congress is regarded as the most important annual gathering in the field of library and information services. It is a platform for exchanging ideas, learning from global best practices and debating the latest trends in digital access, preservation and information management.
The congress has rarely taken place in Asia and has only been hosted twice before in the broader Central Asian region. Astana’s selection underscores Kazakhstan’s ambition to position itself as a hub for knowledge exchange, education and cultural diplomacy.
Delegations from Kazakhstan, the United States, China, South Korea, Germany and Japan are among the largest represented. In total, the programme includes over 80 professional sessions covering topics such as:
- Digital library guidelines and artificial intelligence
- Preservation techniques for fragile collections
- Cataloguing standards, including UNIMARC, which enables libraries around the world to share bibliographic records in a consistent format
Highlights of the programme
The congress opened with a welcoming address from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, marking the significance that Kazakhstan places on education and cultural exchange. Other highlights include:
- A global book flash mob at MEGA Silk Way, one of Astana’s largest shopping malls
- A keynote speech by Dr Kais Hammami from ICESCO on the role of libraries in shaping a culturally oriented future
- Guided visits to public, school and university libraries in Astana, showcasing the city’s own investments in modern learning spaces
Beyond academic debate, these activities are designed to engage the public and foster a stronger connection between libraries and communities.
Building bridges across cultures
According to Anna Plassmann, project manager at K.I.T. Group, the event’s organising company, the congress is much more than an academic conference. It is a forum to foster cross-cultural collaboration and to connect libraries with governments, ministries and policymakers. “This gathering will serve as a platform to showcase the region’s cultural heritage while strengthening the global library community through meaningful partnerships,” she explained in an interview with The Astana Times.
For delegates from Europe and beyond, Astana offers the opportunity to connect with colleagues from regions that are less frequently represented on the global library stage. The event reflects IFLA’s long-term mission of inclusivity, ensuring that professionals from emerging economies are equally involved in shaping the future of global information management.
A boost for Kazakhstan’s tourism ambitions
Hosting the IFLA World Library Congress is also a significant milestone for Kazakhstan’s tourism industry. Large international gatherings highlight the country’s ability to organise world-class events and to attract professionals from diverse backgrounds. For Astana, the congress not only showcases its infrastructure but also its growing role as a centre of international cooperation.
In July, Travel Tomorrow reported on Kazakhstan’s ambition to generate €10 billion in tourism revenue and welcome 15 million visitors by 2029. Events such as the IFLA Congress directly support this strategy by promoting business tourism, raising the international profile of Kazakh cities and encouraging cultural discovery alongside professional exchange.
Delegates attending the congress will have the chance to explore Astana’s modern skyline, its museums, and the steppe landscapes beyond the capital. Many are expected to extend their stay, contributing to the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Libraries in a changing world
The IFLA World Library Congress also provides a stage for wider reflection on the role of libraries in the 21st century. Discussions this year focus heavily on how libraries can leverage artificial intelligence and digital resources while safeguarding cultural heritage. At the same time, delegates are examining how libraries can remain relevant to younger generations, serving as inclusive spaces for education, creativity and civic dialogue.
For Astana, hosting this prestigious event places the city firmly on the global cultural map. “It underlines Kazakhstan’s willingness to be a bridge between East and West and to invest in knowledge as a driver of both social and economic development”, told the organiser to Travel Tomorrow.
As the delegates gather under the banner of “Connecting Knowledge, Building the Future,” the message is clear: libraries remain more than repositories of books. They are living institutions that can help shape societies, support sustainable development and strengthen international cooperation.
