University of Macau Library Representatives Attend IFLA World Library and Information Congress (2025-09-01)
The 89th World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) 2025, organized by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), was held in Astana, Kazakhstan from August 17 to 22. A delegation of seven representatives from the University of Macau Library attended the event, including University Librarian Xu Hong, Assistant University Librarian Leong Tak Hoi, Functional Head Priscilla Pun, Stephen Lee, Wilson Hoi, Senior Library Officer Stephanie Song, and Senior Library Assistant Staty Chan.
This year’s congress, themed “Uniting Knowledge, Building the Future” featured 188 sessions and attracted around 1,700 participants from over 110 countries and regions. Additionally, 33 organizations from the library and information sectors participated in the exhibition. Currently, four representatives from the University of Macau Library hold elected or re-elected positions within IFLA’s Professional Section Standing Committees Member.
Seven representatives from the University of Macau Library
Four members of IFLA's Professional Committee
Prof. Xu, as a member of the IFLA Standing Committee on Library Buildings and Equipment, attended the committee’s business meeting and two joint sessions co-organized with other committees. She also participated in multiple thematic sessions covering topics such as open science and open scholarship, practical applications of AI-related data in libraries, new tools and concepts in library assessment, library management, library facility construction, and preservation of collections. During the congress and exhibition, Prof. Xu engaged in face-to-face discussions with library professionals, IT specialists, and database vendors from around the world, exploring potential future collaborations.
Group photo of the business meeting of the Library Building and Equipment Professional Committee
Priscilla Pun, as Secretary of the IFLA Environment, Sustainability and Libraries Section, attended the section’s business meeting and hosted the IFLA Green Library Award Ceremony. She also co-organized two thematic sessions with other committees: “Libraries Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals” and “Preservation and Conservation of Collections in Library Buildings.”
She presented a report on the upcoming co-edited book Libraries Driving Education for Sustainable Development, and was honored with the IFLA Dynamic Unit and Impact Award (DUIA) – Best Communication Award on behalf of her committee. This award recognizes the committee’s active efforts in promoting global exchange, collaborative projects, and the development of guidelines in areas such as climate action, equity, and sustainability within the international library community.
IFLA Green Library Award 2025
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the most authoritative professional international organization in the global library community. Its primary mission is to promote international exchange and cooperation among libraries and information services worldwide.
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the most authoritative professional international organization in the global library community. Its primary mission is to promote international exchange and cooperation among libraries and information services worldwide.
The IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) is the most influential professional event in the field of library and information services, held annually. Over the years, representatives from the University of Macau Library have actively participated in the congress, playing a vital role in fostering international exchange for libraries in China and Macau, engaging deeply in IFLA affairs, and enhancing the region’s voice and influence on the global stage.
The IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) is the most influential professional event in the field of library and information services, held annually. Over the years, representatives from the University of Macau Library have actively participated in the congress, playing a vital role in fostering international exchange for libraries in China and Macau, engaging deeply in IFLA affairs, and enhancing the region’s voice and influence on the global stage.
Prof. Xu presented a manuscript book
Stephen Lei, as a member of the IFLA Knowledge Management Section, attended the section’s business meeting, where he participated in in-depth discussions on the future direction of knowledge management. He also took part in the Knowledge Café Forum organized by the section and served as rapporteur for the Institutional Leadership Development forum, guiding discussions and preparing the meeting report.
In addition, he attended several thematic sessions focused on libraries and artificial intelligence, gaining insights into the latest technological developments and trends through both the congress and exhibition.
Conduct in-depth exchanges and discussions with the committee chairman and members on future development directions
Wilson Hoi, as a member of the IFLA Management of Library Association Section, attended the section’s business meeting and participated in two sessions organized by the committee: “Successful Strategies for Library Advocacy and Financial Sustainability” and the “Library Association Members Meeting.”
The sessions focused on key areas such as information integrity, financial sustainability, member retention, library advocacy, and strategic planning, with successful case studies shared among participants.
Library Association Members Meeting
During the meeting, the University of Macau Library also participated in the preparatory meeting for Chinese representatives with representatives from other universities in Macau, and attended the opening ceremony, the chairman's reception, cultural activities, etc., and had in-depth exchanges with representatives from home and abroad to understand the development trends of international libraries.
Preparatory Meeting for Chinese Representatives
After the congress, the University of Macau Library organized a visit to Nazarbayev University Library in Astana for a group of 13 representatives from Macau and Hong Kong. Nazarbayev University is a top-tier institution established by Kazakhstan with the goal of becoming a world-class research university. Located in the capital city Astana, the university adopts English as its medium of instruction and maintains close partnerships with internationally renowned institutions.
The university library is a central hub supporting teaching and research, offering a vast collection of electronic and print resources, modern learning spaces, collaborative areas, and advanced search systems. On behalf of the University of Macau Library, Prof. Xu presented the library with a UM publication of “Official Report of the Embassy of King John V of Portugal to Emperor Yongzheng in 1725-1728” , along with commemorative gifts.
Prof. Xu presented a manuscript book Nazarbayev University Library
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the most authoritative professional international organization in the global library community. Its primary mission is to promote international exchange and cooperation among libraries and information services worldwide.
The IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) is the most influential professional event in the field of library and information services, held annually. Over the years, representatives from the University of Macau Library have actively participated in the congress, playing a vital role in fostering international exchange for libraries in China and Macau, engaging deeply in IFLA affairs, and enhancing the region’s voice and influence on the global stage.