Libraries as Catalysts: Driving Equitable and Innovative Action

At this event presented by the American Library Association, join us to explore how libraries contribute to resilient communities, digital inclusion, informed decision-making, sustainability, and global collaboration across local, national, and international contexts.

This event will take place online and in person at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library on the 7th Floor.

Held in conjunction with the 2026 United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), this program will bring together library leaders, international experts, and United Nations stakeholders to explore how libraries advance equitable, innovative, and coordinated action for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Reflecting the 2026 HLPF theme, the discussion will highlight how libraries contribute to resilient communities, digital inclusion, informed decision-making, sustainability, and global collaboration across local, national, and international contexts.

Speakers from the United States and around the world will share practical examples of how libraries and their partners support progress on the SDGs under review in 2026, including sustainable cities and communities, innovation and infrastructure, access to information, and global partnerships. This event offers an opportunity for librarians, policymakers, educators, civil society representatives, and UN stakeholders to engage in dialogue on the evolving role of libraries in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This event is presented by the American Library Association International Relations Committee United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Subcommittee in partnership with the New York Public Library Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library.

Featured speakers will include Leslie Weir, IFLA President; Dr. Maria McCauley, ALA President Elect and Director, Cambridge Public Library, Massachusetts; Dr. Corinthia Price, President International Association of School Librarianship, Board Member of the American Library Association; Dr. Anthony Chow, Director of the San Jose State University iSchool, California. President of the Chinese American Librarians Association, President of the California Library Association; with moderator Loida Garcia-Febo, Consultant and Professor, Chair ALA IRC UN SDG Subcommittee, ALA Past President, Governing Board Member of IFLA, Chair IFLA Management of Library Associations Section.

To join the event in person | Doors will open 30 minutes before the program begins. For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released shortly before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A standby line will form 30 minutes before the program.

To view the livestream | Whether you're attending in person or online, you must register with your email address. You will need a device with audio and/or video and an internet/cellular connection to view the livestream.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTES

In-Person

• Assistive listening devices and/or hearing loops are available at the venue.


• ASL interpretation and real-time captioning (CART) are available upon request. Please submit your request via this form or contact SNFL at least two weeks in advance.


• This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

Livestream

• ASL interpretation and real-time captioning (CART) also available (see previous).


• Captions and a transcript will be provided.

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Please submit all press inquiries to Connor Goodwin at least 48 hours before the event: email [email protected].
 

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All programs are subject to change or cancellation. All events at The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library are subject to recording and photography.