On November 25, the ECLAC Library hosted a meeting between regional representatives from IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) and various UN agencies. The objective of the meeting was to foster collaboration and exchange ideas on how libraries can contribute to advancing the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development, while highlighting the UN’s work in Chile and the region.
The meeting was attended by representatives from ECLAC, FAO, UNESCO, the World Bank and the UN Resident Coordinator in Chile, who presented information resources, their efforts and perspectives on key themes such as open science, information and knowledge management.
“Libraries are centers of continuous learning, research, innovation and community participation. Access to information is crucial for sustainable development and inclusion,” said Javier Medina Vásquez, Deputy Executive Secretary, ECLAC.
“Misinformation is one of the greatest threats to sustainable development. Our responsibility is not only to present evidence with rigor, but also to understand how to communicate it effectively to combat this issue,” said María José Torres Macho, UN Resident Coordinator in Chile.
Highlighting the collaborative nature of the event, Wouter Schallier, Head of the Hernán Santa Cruz Library of ECLAC, stated, “We are pleased that the ECLAC Library can provide the space to facilitate such meetings and promote the exchange of ideas among regional libraries and the UN. Libraries empower people by ensuring connectivity, access to information and promoting digital literacy. By enabling people to become informed digital citizens rather than mere consumers of information, libraries play a vital role in contributing to sustainable development."
The meeting made it clear that libraries are not only guardians of knowledge but also key agents in promoting sustainable development and strengthening the partnerships needed to achieve it.
