Participants during a session organised by Qatar National Library.
Doha, Qatar: Qatar National Library (QNL) participated with a high-level delegation of experts in the 90th IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) 2026 in Busan, Republic of Korea, where several of its senior officials led panel discussions showcasing the Library’s pioneering efforts in library and information management.
While Head of Digital Curation, Preservation, and Access at the Library, Dr. Arif Shaon, participated in sessions discussing digital preservation and the safeguarding of documentary heritage, Executive Director of Qatar National Library and Chair of the IFLA National Libraries Section, Tan Huism, played a prominent role in the congress by leading panel discussions that highlighted the transformation of the information landscape and discussed digital transformation and the enhancement of regional cooperation.
As part of efforts to strengthen the Arab presence at the congress, Qatar National Library, in its capacity as the IFLA Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa, organized the Arabic Caucus under the theme “Voices from the Region: Shared Priorities and Prospects for Future Cooperation” on Sunday, August 9, 2026. The Caucus programme included an opening session presented by the Qatar National Library team, followed by an address from the Regional Committee for the Middle East and North Africa, alongside a brief presentation of survey results regarding the current state of libraries in the region and an open discussion on prospects for future collaboration.
The caucus also witnessed the announcement of a list comprising 52 members from the MENA region appointed to various IFLA positions and committees for the 2025–2027 term, reflecting a notable Arab professional presence and a geographic and specialized diversity that enhances the region’s role in shaping the global future of the library and information profession.
Through its role in supporting young leaders, Qatar National Library pays special attention to empowering young professionals in the library sector, an effort embodied by the QIMAM Award, which was launched by the Library as part of its role as the IFLA Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa to be the first initiative of its kind in the Arab world.
