Doha: Qatar National Library (QNL) is hosting the 36th Conference of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information (AFLI), a three-day event exploring the intersection of digital justice, global citizenship, and the knowledge economy in the Arab world. The conference is organized under the theme "Digital Justice and Arab Information Institutions: Fostering Partnerships, Sustainability, and Transformation."
According to Qatar News Agency, the event, held from Nov. 23 to 25, 2025, at Education City, brings together librarians, scholars, tech experts, and policymakers from across the region to explore how Arab libraries can harness emerging technologies to advance inclusive and sustainable access to knowledge.
The opening ceremony was attended by HE Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation and Chairperson of QNL Board of Trustees, Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani; HE Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library, Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari; and President of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information, Dr. Nabehan Al Harrasi.
In his keynote remarks, HE Dr. Hamad Al Kawari emphasized the critical importance of digital justice, not only for safeguarding identity but also for enabling the Arab world to become active contributors to global knowledge. He stressed the need for unified strategies and open access policies that ensure knowledge is a fundamental right for all.
Dr. Nabehan Al Harrasi highlighted the opportunity the conference presents for showcasing modern software, including AI applications, and for exploring new technologies that can be used in libraries and archival institutions. He noted the importance of digital transformation that reflects Arab civilization, aided by AI-based tools to document Arab culture and history.
Abeer Saad Al Kuwari of Qatar National Library emphasized the commitment to digitization, aiming to integrate Arab libraries into the global digital landscape while enriching Arabic content on the internet. She highlighted Qatar's leadership in digital transformation, with initiatives that enhance digital content accessibility.
Throughout the conference, participants will explore six central themes related to digital justice, sustainable practices, and cross-disciplinary integration. Discussions will focus on leveraging AI, big data, and open science to bridge the digital divide and provide equitable access to information, while promoting cross-sector collaboration in education, healthcare, and culture.
The conference underscores the evolving role of libraries as centers of digital literacy, sustainability, and intercultural understanding, fostering access to knowledge and supporting digital empowerment for communities across the region.