Access to information through Libraries in post 2015 development agenda Buhle Mbambo-Thata University of South Africa Library IFLA Office for Africa

Libraries as engines of development Promote inclusive access to information for all without Public access to modern technologies and the internet IFLA and SDG Agenda 2030

The SDGs and the information sector 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture 2.8 Agricultural information 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages 3.7health information 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

The SDGs? ( continued) 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls –5.8 enhance the use of enabling technologies, in particular ICT, to promote women’s empowerment

The SDGs? ( continued) 16.Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development…. ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements

What are the opportunities? 1. Lyon declaration “increasing access to information and knowledge across society, assisted by the availability of information and communications technologies (ICTs), supports sustainable development and improves people’s lives.” IFLA Link to AU Agenda 2063

What are opportunities? (continued) 3.Cape Town declaration Ministers of Culture ( ) encourage the establishment of institutional partnerships between libraries in the continent for exchange of knowledge; fast-track implementation of innovative strategies to improve ICT and knowledge management; encourage the use of books and libraries more actively for the cause of developing cultural and scientific exchange between peoples and Member States; promote policies on access to information as part of a human right approach;

Going forward in SDG Agenda era Partner with other stakeholders to remove barriers to information- ( eg active participation in national and other IGF structures) Advocate for access to information as a development imperative Promote human dignity through information.

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