Amman: The 3rd International Conference of the Jordan Library and Information Association (JLIA) 2026, themed "Libraries and Innovation in Social Responsibility and Sustainability: Toward a Sustainable Societal Impact," commenced on Wednesday. Held at the Royal Cultural Center and Jerash Cultural Center, the event is part of the 40th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts.

According to Jordan News Agency, the conference is sponsored by Minister of Culture Mustafa Rawashdeh and spans two days. It will focus on discussing the role of libraries in adapting to digital transformation and artificial intelligence, while enhancing social responsibility and working towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The event will also emphasize the significance of knowledge institutions in shaping the future, with participation from researchers and experts from Jordan, other Arab countries, and beyond.

Speakers at the conference highlighted the importance of libraries as essential knowledge-related institutions that serve society. They noted the increasing role libraries play in supporting the SDG and promoting social responsibility. The experts called for the integration of modern technologies and artificial intelligence to advance knowledge and information services.

Deputizing for Minister Rawashdeh, Dr. Nidal Ayasrah, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Culture, stated that the conference underscores Jordan's key role in facilitating Arab and international intellectual dialogues. He mentioned the country's contributions to supporting innovation, digital transformation, and efforts to strengthen scientific and professional partnerships. Ayasrah expressed hope that the conference would generate recommendations for the development of libraries, serving researchers, and promoting social responsibility and sustainable development.

Ayasrah also applauded the launch of the JLIA's digital platform, describing it as a significant addition to the development of professional services. He praised the partnerships with specialized companies from Jordan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, which aim to provide digital solutions, databases, and smart technologies for libraries and academic and cultural institutions.