Theme: “Reclaiming Trust: Libraries in the MENA Region and the Future of Information Integrity”
The IFLA Middle East and North Africa Regional Office (hosted at Qatar National Library) invites submissions for ignite talks to be presented during the Arabic Caucus session at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress 2025.
This session provides a dynamic platform for library professionals across the MENA region to share innovative practices, pressing challenges, and forward-thinking insights that demonstrate regional leadership in fostering trust, inclusion, and information integrity.
The theme draws inspiration from the IFLA Trend Report 2024, particularly the trend: “Trust is Being Renegotiated.”
In an era marked by rising misinformation, censorship, and eroding public confidence in institutions, libraries in the MENA region are redefining their role in delivering ethical, inclusive, and trustworthy information services to their communities.
Suggested Topics
We welcome ignite addressing any of the following areas:
- Trust and Libraries: How are libraries working to restore public trust in knowledge and equitable access to information?
- Countering Misinformation: Regional strategies and initiatives to confront false narratives, disinformation, or censorship.
- Community-Centered Knowledge: Co-created collections or programs that reflect local voices and empower communities.
- Digital and Media Literacy: Supporting users in navigating and critically engaging with digital content.
- Emerging Skills: Evolving competencies and roles shaping the future of librarianship in the MENA region.
Presentation Format
- Each talk should be a maximum of 5 minutes, supported by no more than 5 slides.
- Presentations may be delivered in Arabic or English.
- In-person presenters must provide a brief English summary.
- Prerecorded videos must include English subtitles.
- Selected speakers will also take part in a brief concluding panel discussion.
Submission Guidelines
Please include the following in your proposal:
- Title of the proposed presentation
- Abstract (max. 300 words)
- Full names, titles, and affiliations of all presenters
- Contact information (email and phone number)
- Short biographical statement (max. 100 words)
- Confirmation of ability to attend the conference in person
- Disclosure if the proposal has been submitted to another WLIC 2025 session
- A current CV of the presenter, clearly stating their institutional affiliation
Please send proposals to:
Email subject: Arabic Caucus WLIC 2025 Proposal
Important Dates
- 30 May 2025: Proposal submission deadline
- 15 June 2025: Notification of acceptance
- 5 August 2025: Final slide submission
Additional Notes
- Presenters are responsible for all associated costs (travel, accommodation, registration). Neither IFLA nor the MENA Regional Office will provide funding.
- At least one author must attend in person to present.
- Presentations must be original, unpublished, and not previously presented.
- Accepted presenters must complete the official IFLA Authors’ Permission Form.
- Accepted presentations will be published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)