Theme: “Building Future Resilience: Leveraging Library Resources for Global and Disaster Health”
Introduction
The IFLA HBS and E4GDH SIG are seeking proposals for a keynote speaker and panelists for an open session to be held at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Astana, Kazakhstan, 18-22 August 2025.
The session aims to explore the essential role of libraries in disaster preparedness and response, focusing on how they can improve health outcomes in the context of access, climate change, digital divides, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The session includes a keynote presentation and a panel discussion. The ten-minute keynote presentation should focus on the future of libraries in disaster preparedness and response, which will then set the stage for a panel discussion on building resiliency for global and disaster health.
In addition:
The keynote and panelist contributions should reflect the conference theme, “Uniting Knowledge, Building the Future”
Important dates & deadlines:
- 3 June 2025: Deadline for submission of proposal for keynote, panelist, or both
- 5 June 2025: Notification to speakers about the status of submission
- 1 July 2025: Submission of the keynote presentation to IFLA repository for guaranteed deposit before the Congress, if needed
- 1 August 2025: Submission of accompanying PowerPoint slides for presentation or recorded keynote video
Submission guidelines
Proposals should include:
- Subject of keynote topic and/or panelist expertise
- Name of speaker plus position and/or title
- Employer / affiliated institution
- Contact information including email address, telephone number
- Short biographical statement of speaker
Send proposals via email to: Beth Ketterman, kettermane@ecu.edu and Blessing Mawire at bmawire@integra-ps.co.za
Use subject line: Proposal for WLIC 2025 – HBS open session
Please note:
- It is preferred that the keynote is present in Astana to deliver remarks live to the audience; however, recorded keynote proposals will be considered.
- Panelists must be present in Astana.
- Proposals can be for keynote, panelist, or both
- Proposals are to be submitted only with the understanding that the expenses of attending the conference will be the responsibility of the presenters.
- The language of the session is expected to be English.
- Papers prepared for the session can be submitted to the IFLA repository under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
- All papers must be unpublished and not previously presented.
- Speakers must disclose whether they submit their proposal to another WLIC 2025 session.
- If a paper is submitted, presenters must complete the IFLA Authors’ Permission Form.
- All expenses, including registration for the conference, travel, accommodations, etc., are the responsibility of the authors/presenters. IFLA does not provide any financial support.
Congress Participation Grants
A list of opportunities for support is available on the Grants & Awards webpage.