Libraries Powering the United Nations Global Digital Compact

This event will take place in person at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library on the 7th Floor, and online.

Libraries contribute to bettering the education and prospects of all people in the communities they serve. 

As the United Nations works towards a Global Digital Compact, an inclusive global framework to overcome digital, data, and innovation divides, libraries have an opportunity to join a global effort that will benefit local communities.

This session brings together experts and leaders from NYC government, academic, public, and school libraries in a dialogue about how libraries are aligned with the goals of the Global Digital Compact, which seeks to:

(1) Close all digital divides and accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals 

(2) Expand inclusion in and benefits from the digital economy for all

(3) Foster an inclusive, open, safe, and secure digital space that respects, protects, and promotes human rights 

(4) Advance equitable and interoperable data governance

(5) Enhance international governance of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies for the benefit of humanity. 

Featured speakers will include (clockwise from top left above) Shauntee Burns-Simpson, Past President of BCALA, Director Youth & Family Services at the District of Columbia Public Library Foundation Inc.; Bill Goldband, Vice President of Information Technology and Development, Queens Public Library; Dr. Brandy McNeil, President Elect of PLA, Deputy Director of Branch Programs & Services at the NYPL; Loida Garcia-Febo, ALA Past President, Chair of the ALA IRC UN SDGs Subcommittee, IFLA Governing Board Member; Melissa Jacobs, Director Library Services, NYC Department of Education; Robin Kear, Faculty Librarian, University Senate President at University of Pittsburgh, Member of the ALA UN SDGs Subcommittee; Karl Redmond, Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations; and Rajendra Prasad Pandey, General Secretary Nepal Community Library Association (National Library Association).

To join the event in person | Doors will open 30 minutes before the program begins. For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released shortly before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A standby line will form 30 minutes before the program.

To join online | Whether you're attending in person on online, you must register with your email address.The Zoom link will be sent to you by email approximately one day before the event. You will need a device with audio and/or video and an internet/cellular connection to join.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTES

In-Person

• Assistive listening devices and/or hearing loops are available at the venue.


• You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.


• This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

Webinar

• Captions and a transcript will be provided.


• You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

CONNECT WITH US

Don't have a New York Public Library card? Get one here!

Sign up for our e-newsletters to stay up to date on upcoming events and Library offerings.

Please submit all press inquiries to Lizzie Tribone at least 48 hours before the event: email lizzietribone@nypl.org.
 

SUPPORT THE LIBRARY

The New York Public Library's free services and resources are made possible thanks to the support of the Friends of the Library. Join this group of Library lovers and take advantage of special membership benefits, like invitations to members-only virtual events, discounts at the Library Shop, and more. Join now.

All programs are subject to change or cancellation. All events at The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library are subject to recording and photography.