The Global Library Summit (GLS) 2025, themed “Library Diplomacy: Uniting Nations Through Library Cooperation,” concluded successfully at the India International Centre and the South Asian University (SAU) campus from February 5 to 7. The landmark event, organized by SAU in collaboration with LIS Academy Bengaluru, brought together over 200 delegates, 16 international speakers, and featured more than 130 paper presentations, marking a significant milestone in global library collaboration and diplomacy.

The summit focused on the role of libraries as the centers of international cooperation, diplomacy, and sharing knowledge. Eminent speakers and dignitaries from the field of library and information science participated in the summit. Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF), NAAC, and NBA, was the Chief Guest for the inaugural session. The program was presided over by Prof. K.K. Aggarwal, President, South Asian University. Notable speakers in the program included Prof. Pankaj Jain, Vice President (Academic) of SAU; Dr. A.P. Singh, Director General of National Library; Mr. Akash Patil, Director, DAIC; Prof. Devika Madalli, Director of INFLIBNET; Prof. P.V. Konnur, President, LIS Academy; and Dr. P.R. Goswami, Director of GLS.

The inaugural ceremony was embellished with the LIS Academy Bengaluru honoring Prof. K.K. Aggarwal with the “Lifetime Achievement Award” for outstanding contributions to higher education, research, and innovation. In his speech, Prof. Aggarwal reflected on the role librarians should be recognized for in society. He highlighted the importance of digitalization as a supplement rather than a substitute for traditional libraries and advocated for interdisciplinary education to foster global citizens. He also launched the official Conference Souvenir for GLS 2025.

Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, in his inaugural address, stressed the role of libraries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promoting global cooperation. He mentioned the importance of libraries as a source of knowledge and as technological integration centers. Prof. Sahasrabudhe also launched the “Book of Abstracts” for the summit.

A keynote address by Prof. Devika Madalli focused on the “One Nation, One Subscription” (ONOS) initiative, emphasizing its potential to promote equity, international cooperation, and cultural diplomacy. Other speakers, including Dr. A.P. Singh and Mr. Akash Patil, emphasized the need for libraries to bridge gaps and address challenges, particularly in rural areas. Prof. P.V. Konnur highlighted the importance of GLS in uniting library professionals and associations for cooperation and support. Dr. P.R. Goswami emphasized how GLS could serve as a tool for soft power projection and library diplomacy.

A highlight of the event was the pre-release of the groundbreaking book Mapping Feminist International Relations in South Asia: Past and Present, edited by Dr. Shweta Singh of SAU and Dr. Amena Mohsin of the University of Dhaka. Additionally, two other significant publications were released: Tune Your Brain by Dr. Latha Suresh and Eye That Discerns, a poetry collection by Prof. Jagtar Singh.

The summit culminated with a grand valedictory session graced by dignitaries like Prof. Uma Kanjilal, Vice Chancellor of IGNOU, as the Chief Guest, and Dr. Ajit Kumar, Director General of the Delhi Public Library, as the Guest of Honour. Other notable figures present at the session included Prof. Sanjay Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor (Outreach) of SAU; Dr. Madhusudhan, Rapporteuring General from Delhi University; Prof. Pankaj Jain, Vice President (Academic) of SAU; Dr. P.V. Konnur, President of LIS Academy Bengaluru; and Prof. Shailendra Kumar, Technical Director of GLS.

The summit set a benchmark for future global collaborations, emphasizing the need for a unified global library network to address the challenges of the digital era. With discussions ranging from the role of libraries in achieving SDGs to innovative subscription models and soft power projection, GLS 2025 successfully highlighted the evolving role of libraries in international cooperation and knowledge diplomacy.