Global Library Summit 2025 in New Delhi: A Landmark Event for Library Diplomacy and International Cooperation
New Delhi : The Global Library Summit (GLS) 2025, themed “Library Diplomacy: Uniting Nations Through Library Cooperation,” was held successfully at the India International Centre, and SAU Campus. The Global Library Summit was organised by South Asian University in collaboration with LIS Academy Bengaluru. The summit brought together over 200 delegates, 16 international speakers, and 130+ paper presentations, marking a significant milestone in global library collaboration.
The event was graced by distinguished speakers and luminaries from the field of library and information science. The inaugural event was graced by Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of NETF, NAAC, and NBA, as the Chief Guest, and was presided over by Prof. K.K. Aggarwal, President, South Asian University. Other notable speakers included Prof. Pankaj Jain, Vice President (Academic), South Asian University; Dr. A.P. Singh, Director General of the National Library; Mr. Akash Patil, Director of DAIC; Prof. Devika Madalli, Director of INFLIBNET; Prof. P.V. Konnur, President of LIS Academy; and Dr. P.R. Goswami, Director of GLS.
Prof. K.K. Aggarwal, President, SAU was honored with the “Life Time Achievement Award” by LIS Academy Bengaluru. In his Presidential remarks, Prof Aggarwal stressed the importance of recognizing librarians and their crucial role in society. He advocated for digitization as a supplement rather than a substitute for traditional libraries and called for interdisciplinary education to create global citizens. Prof. Aggarwal launched the Conference Souvenir for GLS 2025.
In his inaugural address, Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe emphasized the pivotal role of libraries in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), integrating technology, and serving as repositories of knowledge. He also highlighted the multi-dimensional role of libraries in fostering global cooperation. Prof. Sahasrabudhe launched the “Book of Abstracts,” for GLS 2025.
In her key note address, Prof. Devika Madalli spoke on the “One Nation, One Subscription”(ONOS) initiative, highlighting its potential to promote equity, international cooperation, and cultural diplomacy. Dr. A.P. Singh and Mr. Akash Patil echoed the need for libraries to bridge gaps and address challenges, particularly in rural areas. While Prof P.V Konnur positioned the role of GLS in bringing together library professionals and associations for cooperation and support.Furthermore Dr Goswami talked how GLS can be a tool for soft power projection and library diplomacy
The summit also saw the pre-release of a groundbreaking book titled “Mapping Feminist International Relations in South Asia: Past and Present,” edited by Dr. Shweta Singh (South Asian University) and Dr. Amena Mohsin (University of Dhaka). And the release of two other significant publications: “Tune Your Brain” by Dr. Latha Suresh and “Eye That Discerns” a poetry book by Prof. Jagtar Singh.
The three-day summit, concluded with the grand valedictory session. The valedictory session was graced by eminent dignitaries, including Prof. Uma Kanjilal, Vice Chancellor of IGNOU, as the Chief Guest; Dr. Ajit Kumar, Director General of DPL, as the Guest of Honour; and Prof Sanjay Chaturvedi, VC (Outreach) of SAU. Other notable dignaitaries included Dr. Madhusudhan (Rapporteuring General, DU), Prof. Pankaj Jain (VP, Academic, SAU), Dr. P.V. Konnur (President, LIS Academy, Bengaluru), and Prof. Shailendra Kumar (Technical Director, GLS). The Global Library Summit 2025 has set a benchmark for future collaborations, emphasizing the need for a unified global library network to address the challenges of the digital era.
