NotesThe International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users.
Abstract
The new UN 2030 Agenda is an inclusive, integrated framework of 17Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) spanning economic, environmental and social development. By achieving this Agenda, no one will be left behind. Libraries are key institutions to help achieve the Goals.
Public access to information enables people to make informed decisions that can improve their lives. Communities that have access to timely and relevant information for all are better positioned to eradicate poverty and inequality, improve agriculture, provide quality education, and support people’s health, culture, research, and innovationLibraries are sustainable institutions; they share resources in the community and internationally and ensure everyone has access to information. All libraries play a significant role in providing access to data, research and knowledge that supports informed research and public access to information about climate change, and a key role in the preservation of indigenous knowledge – which includes local decision-making about fundamental aspects of life including hunting, fishing, land use, and water management.
LIBRARIES SUPPORT ALL THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Libraries and access to information contribute to improved outcomes across the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) by:
• Promoting universal literacy, including digital, media and information literacy and skills,
with the support of dedicated staff;
• Closing gaps in access to information and helping government, civil society and business
to understand local information needs better;
• Providing a network of delivery sites for government programmes and services;
• Advancing digital inclusion through access to ICT;
• Serving as the heart of the research and academic community; and
• Preserving and providing access to the world’s culture and heritage
LIBRARIES DRIVE PROGRESS ACROSS THE ENTIRE UN 2030 AGENDA
While the SDGs are universal goals, each country will be responsible for developing and
implementing national strategies to achieve them, and will be expected to track and report
progress. As these plans are developed, the library community in each country stands ready
to show how libraries serve as partners to help meet the Goals and local development needs.