Advancing climate action and sustainable development goals: the transformative role of African libraries and information centres

Background

One of the most pressing issues worldwide is climate change. African countries are highly vulnerable to drought, irrigation, food insecurity, and environmental degradation, and thus these challenges threaten the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to education, poverty eradication, and environmental sustainability. 

Reducing climate change does not only require policy actions and scientific discoveries but also the development of competent and empowered communities. 

Libraries and information centres are central centres of knowledge in this milieu as they provide access to information, promote educational activities, and community interactions. 

On the African continent, libraries are going beyond their traditional functions to become vibrant hubs of the exchange of knowledge, digital access, and communal learning. 

Through their services, their outreach programmes, libraries can promote climate literacy, advocate sustainable behaviour, and promote several SDGs, such as quality education (SDG 4), climate action (SDG 13), sustainable communities (SDG 11), and partnerships to develop (SDG 17).

Date: Tuesday, 31st March 2026
Time: 12:00 UTC | 13:00 WAT | 14:00 CAT / SAST | 15:00 EAT

Aim of the webinar

The aim is to explore and highlight the transformative value of African libraries and information centres in the promotion of climate action and the enhancement of the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The webinar shall also act as a platform of knowledge sharing, discussion, and cooperation among librarians, researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners.

Objectives of the webinar

1. Analyse how libraries and information centres contribute to climate literacy and environmental awareness. 
2. Illustrate new projects and best practices by which African libraries play a role in climate action and sustainable development. 
3. Share ideas about how libraries can increase their ability to aid climate education and resilience in the community. 
4. Promote collaboration between libraries, governments, and development agencies in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Expected outcomes

1. It is hoped that the webinar will raise the level of awareness about the central role that libraries may play in combating climate change and ensuring sustainable development. 
2. It will support the flow of experiences and practical ideas that can help libraries to enhance their programmes and services concerning environmental sustainability.

Registration

Please click the registration button to sign up for the webinar. Once you register, you will receive reminders and updates about the event.

Target participants 

The webinar brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including librarians, information workers, researchers, educators, policymakers, environmental activists, development partners, and students whose common interest in climate action and sustainable development justifies such a dialogue. 

Speaker

Nerisa Jepkorir Kamar is a distinguished Librarian and Knowledge Management Strategist with more than 20 years of experience across national and international institutions. She currently serves in multiple leadership capacities at the Information Africa Organization (IAO), where she is Project Coordinator, Lead E Moderator, Lead Content Developer, and Lead Trainer for diverse programs advancing knowledge and capacity building. Beyond her organizational roles, Nerisa contributes to the global library community as Vice Chair of the Sub Saharan Africa Division (2025–2027) of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). Her expertise in knowledge management, digital engagement, and professional development continues to position African libraries and information centres as catalysts for sustainable futures.  

Moderator: Dr. Monica Mensah, Vice Chair-AfLIA LETIS, Senior Lecturer – University of Ghana, Editor-in Chief- Gh Lib Journal; Chair-IFLA SSA RDC

African libraries and information centres have the potential to make significant contributions to climate action and sustainable development by sharing knowledge, raising environmental awareness, and helping people to engage with their communities. This will boost their capacities and enhance progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

Technical requirements

After registration, reminders will be sent periodically to all participants. The webinar will be hosted on the Zoom Conferencing Platform. Participants who do not already have Zoom on their devices should download, install, and create an account ahead of time (CLICK TO DOWNLOAD).

Participants are encouraged to join at least 15 minutes before the start of the session to allow time to launch the application and test their connection. The speaker will connect using a webcam, and audio and video will be streamed through computer speakers. For the best experience, participants are encouraged to use a headset or earpiece.

Webinar materials

A list of resources and additional information will be shared at the end of the webinar to support deeper engagement with the topic. All registrants will have access to the presentation slides. The webinar recording will be uploaded to the AfLIA YouTube Channel after the event to support continued learning for both attendees and non-attendees. Please note that certificates of participation will not be issued for this webinar.

Enquiries

For further enquiries or assistance related to this webinar, please contact: afliacomm@aflia.net