To build the capacity of the global library sector to articulate its work through the language of the SDGs, to raise broader public awareness of the goals, and to contribute fully to the development and delivery of national development plans. The Programme draws on the unique breadth of the library field, and IFLA's own position as the global voice of the world's >2M libraries to mobilise for sustainable development.

The programme followed a cascade methodology, starting with an update of existing IFLA training materials to focus on the Sustainable Development Goals. This was then shared with a group of fifteen experienced trainers from around the world, in order both to test what would work, and ensure that they would be in a position to take this further. This core group allowed us to hold six regional meetings, which saw participants learn about the SDGs, and commit to take the messages home, spread them, and take steps to engage with government. In this, they were supported with regular information and suggestions from IFLA Headquarters aimed. A pot of money was made available for bids, leading to 24 projects being launched, all contributing to the original goals of the initiative. The project as a whole is currently being evaluated, and there will be ongoing engagement with our participants.

The initiative is run from the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions Headquarters in The Hague, The Netherlands, using a network of committed representatives from 76 countries. A number of clear objectives were set at the beginning of the programme - awareness-raising within and beyond the library community, and engagement in national development policies. Participants are both offered support and encouragement, and asked to report on progress roughly twice a year. The results are published in updates which allow each to learn from the successes and positive steps of the other. There has also been a global convening - a meeting in New York in June 2018, which saw a selection of participants from around the world come together to reflect together on experiences to date, and plans for the coming year.

International Federation of Library Associations