American Library Association to present during the United Nations High-Level Political Forum

CHICAGO - The American Library Association is sending a delegation to the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, July 13-24. ALA’s participation is a significant step in elevating libraries as key partners in global development and reflects ALA’s commitment to aligning library advocacy with the United Nations 2030 Agenda. This year the focus of HLPF will be advancing Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Growth and Economic Growth.)  

ALA with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library of New York Public Library have created a special program  “Imperatives for Growth: Libraries as Catalysts for Inclusive Employment, Skills and Prosperity,” on Monday, July 21, 6:00-7:30pm Eastern time (USA) for UN delegates and others in New York, which can also be attended virtually by anyone from around the world.  It will explore how libraries are driving progress toward equitable economic opportunities and contributing to the global effort for decent work and inclusive growth.  

The program is organized by the ALA International Relations Committee (IRC) United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) Subcommittee.  

Featured speakers include:  Sam Helmick, ALA President; Dr. Brandy McNeil, President, Public Library Association, and Deputy Director for the New York Public Library;  Lisa R. Varga, Associate Executive Director, ALA Public Policy and Advocacy;  Dr. Diana Price, Central Library Manager, Alexandria Public Library, VA: Melissa Jacobs, Director of Library Services, NYC Department of Education; Robin Kear, Liaison Librarian and University Senate President, University of Pittsburgh; with Loida Garcia-Febo, Chair ALA IRC UN SDGs Subcommittee and International Library Consultant as the moderator. 

ALA is grateful for its longstanding leadership with the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)  at the UN and for its collaboration in making this delegation a reality. 

For more information about attending in person or virtually, please visit the New York Public Library website. 

ABOUT THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION 

The American Library Association (ALA) is the only non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated entirely to America's libraries and library professionals. For almost 150 years, ALA has provided resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. The ALA serves academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.