IFLA WLIC 2026 | BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA.
IFLA WLIC 2026:Libraries powering transformation
The Congress expanded dialogue on the future of libraries
2026 marks the 90th WLIC and the second time South Korea has hosted the Congress since 2006. Attracting nearly 3,200 delegates from 111 countries and territories - with first-time attendees making up 50% - this year’s convention unites national library leaders, global libraries and information communities representatives, researchers, educators, librarians, interns and publishers, and library equipment venders.
The Vietnamese delegation with IFLA President Leslie Weir
The opening ceremony kicked off with a welcoming message from the First Lady of South Korea, followed by addresses from the Mayor of Busan Metropolitan City Chun Jae-soo and the IFLA WLIC 2026 Organizing Committee. The event also featured cultural performances that seamlessly blended tradition and modernity, deeply reflecting the host nation’s rich cultural identity. At the Congress, South Korean member of the National Assembly Jiho Cha delivered a speech on the topic “Universal AI Society – Reshaping the intellectual infrastructure for a sustainable future”. Grounded in a vision of AI as a public good and essential infrastructure, the speech analyzes the fundamental changes AI brings to the information environment, while highlighting the growing important role of libraries in ensuring reliable, equitable and inclusive access to knowledge when society transitions from merely accessing information to harnessing and creating intelligence.
From AI to Green Transformation: Cross-cutting Themes
More than 200 sessions featuring over 300 speakers offered diverse perspectives on libraries in the age of artificial intelligence, climate change response, knowledge and cultural memory sharing, strengthening community support networks, and transforming the global health knowledge system. The common thread among these discussions was a unified effort to view libraries not merely as information providers, but as an integral component in transforming libraries, the information ecosystems, and the community.
Thirteen satellite meetings held across Busan and Seoul continued to delved deeper into pressing issues, such as green transformation; connecting traditional, digital, and community memories; AI and research integrity; AI and public libraries; and information literacy in a disrupted information ecosystem.
The Vietnamese Library Delegation: Participation, Networking, and Expanding Cooperation
The Vietnamese library delegation to IFLA WLIC 2026 is led by Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Anh, Deputy Director of the National Library of Viet Nam, along with representatives from the Military Library, the People's Public Security Library, and the Dak Lak Provincial Library. This event provides an opportunity for Vietnamese delegates to stay updated on emerging trends and issues of the international library community, while directly exchanging experiences with colleagues from various countries and territories.
Within the framework of the Congress, the Vietnamese delegation actively engaged in agenda sessions, workshops, and professional discussion focusing on emerging issues in library development and the information ecosystem. In addition to professional activities, the delegation proactively fostered networks through meetings, exchanges, and working sessions with IFLA leaders, national library representatives, and key partners. These efforts contribute to maintaining and expanding collaborative relationships, while opening up further opportunities to discuss future development paths for Vietnamese libraries amidst the sector’s profound transformation.
Attending the Conference of Directors of National Libraries (CDNL)
Bilateral discussion with Japan’s National Diet Library
Visiting and working at the National Library of Korea
The World of Flavors – Connecting Cultures through Reading
At the Flashmob Read event themed “World of Flavors” on the Haeundae coast, delegates read aloud their favorite recipes in a highly interactive reading activity where books served as a bridge connecting people, cuisine, and culture. After the event, Vietnamese delegates presented books to international colleagues, thereby introducing the unique characteristics of Vietnamese culture and cuisine to friends from many countries.
The Vietnamese delegation participated in the Flashmob Read at Haeundae Beach
Recognized Initiatives: Libraries, Communities, and Sustainable Development
At the Congress, the IFLA/James Bennett Public Library of the Year Award 2026 was presented to Mesa Gateway Library (USA). Constructed in the Arizona desert, the building features an open-air, traditional market-inspired design that seamlessly integrates open architecture, innovative technological solutions, local culture, and sustainability.
Libraries that won the IFLA/James Bennett Outstanding Public Library Award
The IFLA Green Library Award 2026, presented by IFLA Environment, Sustainability and Libraries Section (ENSULIB), recognizes libraries and projects that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability. CEDREAC (Center for Documentation and Resources for Environmental Education in Cantabria, Spain) won First prize with its project “Small Library, Big Engine: CEDREAC’s circle environment & participation”. The next awards were presented to Yonghak Library (South Korea) with “The Living Library: A policy framework for urban ecosystem integration” and Lien Ying Chow Library at Ngee Ann Polytechnic College (Singapore) with project “Library of Tomorrow – A blueprint for a sustainable futures”.
Exemplary projects showcased under the 2026 IFLA Green Library Award category
The best IFLA Poster 2026 award was presented to Daisy St Rose and Mya Symister from Saint Lucia for their work “Origin, Rhythm and Resilience: Caribbean libraries as catalysts for mental health”. Viet Nam contributed four entries to the competition from VinUni University and the Vietnamese-Germany University (VGU).
Poster entries from VinUni University and the Vietnamese-German University (Viet Nam)
Award-winning authors of the best IFLA Poster competition at WLIC 2026
Closing Busan, Looking towards London 2027
The Congress concluded with the traditional striking of the gong by IFLA President Leslie Weir and Ms. Lee Jin-woo, Executive Chair of the Korean National Committee. This was followed by an invitation to attend IFLA 2027 in London, where the Federation was founded 100 years ago.
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Text, photos, and clips: Phuong Lan, Ngoc Phuong, IFLA