On November 7, 2025, the Seraly Kaniyev Scientific Library of the Kazakh National Women’s Teacher Training University (QyzPU) hosted a seminar titled “Libraries’ Role in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals: International and National Experience.”
The event was organized in connection with the outcomes of the Second World Summit on Social Development, held in Doha, Qatar. During the summit, the global community reaffirmed its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
The seminar served as an important platform for professional dialogue and exchange of experience. It brought together library directors and specialists from Almaty universities, representatives of the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty, as well as faculty members and students from QyzPU’s Department of Information Technologies and Library Science.
As part of the program, participants discussed the implementation of SDG 4 — “Quality Education”, the role of libraries as social drivers of sustainable development, and the importance of personal resilience as a foundation for social progress. In the practical session, participants also developed specific action plans for their libraries.
Particular attention was given to strengthening the professional community of university libraries in Kazakhstan and promoting joint initiatives aimed at supporting the national sustainable development agenda.
Asem Otegenova, Director of the Seraly Kaniyev Scientific Library, emphasized the key role of libraries in modern society:
“A library is not just a repository of knowledge. Today, libraries are becoming active centers of education, digital literacy, social integration, and environmental awareness. Participation in achieving the SDGs is a natural continuation of our mission as open institutions that serve society,” — she noted.
This event highlighted the strategic importance of libraries in promoting the values of sustainable development and strengthening their role within the country’s educational ecosystem.
