The 85th IFLA General Conference and Assembly

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions

The Megaron International Conference Center in Athens - MAICC hosted more than 3,600 delegates from 140 countries at the largest international library congress -  the 85th  IFLA General Conference and Assembly  held from 24-30 August 2019.
The General Conference and Assembly were briefly opened by IFLA President Glòria Pérez-Salmerón and Secretary General Gerald Leitner. Commenting on this year's Conference motto -  Libraries-dialogue for change, the President emphasized that dialogue is of utmost importance in sharing, learning and providing opportunities for everyone to listen and be heared. The dialogue gives a positive and dynamic message that enhances the library's mission. Through dialogue, we work forward, through a participatory and inclusive organization, to create a stronger, louder voice for libraries, to build a truly unique field of library action. IFLA is the global voice of libraries, working hard to ensure that libraries are recognized and supported in international discussions. However, we can truly guarantee the future of our institutions only by taking action at all levels, in all areas, emphasizes Glòria Pérez-Salmerón.
This 2019 IFLA WLIC congress was also attended by Dr. Ismet Ovčina, Director of the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition to the IFLA General Assembly session and a number of sessions, Dr. Ovčina attended and actively participated in the IFLA National Libraries Committee meeting in which he served for two terms, 2011-2015and 2015-2019.
Dr. Ovčina also actively participated in the CDNL (Conference of Director National Libraries) annual conference. The Conference of National Library Directors was held at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation's Cultural Center, the National Library of Greece’s HQ. In addition to the regular agenda, the Conference included a special segment on the new IFLA strategy and the key role that national libraries will play in its development, and especially regarding the involvement of new generations in educational processes in society.
At the official IFLA Congress closing ceremony, gratitude was expressed to the organizers, hosts, acknowledgments were given to institutions and individuals, and the event was also addressed by IFLA's future President, Christine Mackenzie.
The next IFLA Congress will be held in Dublin from 15 to 21 August 2020, and for 2021, it is scheduled to be held in Rotterdam, the international city of Erasmus.
Using the opportunity to meet, to exchange opinions and experiences with other participants, Dr. Ovčina, among other things, met with the Director of IZUM, Dr. Aleš Bosnjak, and of the COBISS.Net Council members attending at the Congress. They discussed the following activities, COBISS system improvement and mutual cooperation and possible projects. Otherwise, Dr. Ismet Ovčina has been the President of COBISS.Net Council since 2017.

More at: www.ifla.org