Invitation to host IFLA WLIC 2024 in Dubai withdrawn

On 03 October 2023, IFLA (the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) was informed by the Emirates Library and Information Association, which had led the bid to hold WLIC 2024 in Dubai, that the invitation to host the congress was withdrawn. The initial impetus for holding the meeting in Dubai was to support the development of the field and librarians in the MENA region. It raised considerable controversy over censorship issues regarding the LGBTQ+ community. The news is on the IFLA website.