The UN Commission on Social Development is the key intergovernmental body for discussing the social dimension of sustainable development.

Meeting annually, it provides an opportunity both to hear updates on the UN’s work in general, and to address specific topics. In 2020, this will focus in particular on the issue of homelessness.

Libraries have a key contribution to make in addressing homelessness, both in terms of ensuring that those experiencing it can live as normal a life as possible, and in terms of creating opportunities to escape it.

IFLA’s representative will use the opportunity to raise awareness of what libraries can offer among governments and officials, and encourage them to recognise this in any statements and plans going forwards.

Read about IFLA’s guidelines for libraries serving people experiencing homelessness.