The IFLA World Library and Information Congress, organized by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), was held August 10-13 in Busan, Republic of Korea, bringing together library and information professionals from around the world on a single platform. https://2026.ifla.org/ #WLIC2026 brought together 3,191 delegates, 350 speakers, 50 exhibitors, and more than 200 volunteers from 111 countries and regions.

One of the key themes of the conference was the need for libraries to move beyond traditional models and prepare for the challenges of the future. This approach is particularly relevant for national libraries, given the development of artificial intelligence, digitization, digital preservation, and changing user demands. In this context, it is important to review traditional practices and develop new, flexible, and future-oriented models. Anna Chulyan, Director of the National Library of Armenia, attended the conference and presented the National Library's activities, professional experience, and strategic development directions to the international professional community. Particular attention was paid to Armenia's joining the WorldCat.org global catalog, an important step towards expanding the international visibility, accessibility, and representation of Armenian written cultural heritage within the global library information system.

Anna Chulyan also attended the Conference of Directors of National Libraries as part of the WLIC_2026 initiative. CDNL is an international professional platform for heads of national libraries that allows directors of national libraries from various countries to discuss strategic issues facing national libraries, exchange management and professional experience, and develop new directions for international cooperation. CDNL meetings are of great importance for the National Library of Armenia, as they provide an opportunity to discuss with the heads of national libraries around the world the priorities of the field: the preservation and digitization of national and digital heritage, the application of artificial intelligence and international standards, the development of national bibliography and electronic legal deposit, copyright and digital accessibility issues, issues of cultural diplomacy and preservation of national identity, as well as directions for expanding management, financing, human resource development, and international cooperation.

The conference confirmed that these processes are not isolated technology projects, but part of a wider systemic transformation taking place in national libraries around the world. National libraries must develop as future-oriented institutions while maintaining their fundamental mission as custodians of the national cultural memory. Presenting Armenia's professional experience, advancing cultural diplomacy, and raising the profile of Armenian cultural and documentary assets internationally all depend heavily on the National Library of Armenia's representation on these worldwide platforms.