COL-CEMCA at the International Conference on Libraries Empowering Communities: A Global Perspective

Thiruvananthapuram, 2 November 2025

On 2 November 2025, the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (COL-CEMCA) participated in the International Conference on Libraries Empowering Communities: A Global Perspective, organised by the P. N. Panicker Foundation at Kanakakkunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram. The event brings together experts, policymakers, library professionals, academicians, and digital innovators to discuss libraries' evolving role in the knowledge society.

Dr. B. Shadrach, Director, COL-CEMCA, delivered the Keynote Address, emphasising how libraries can evolve as community knowledge hubs that bridge digital divides and foster lifelong learning. Dr. B. Shadrach highlighted the need for libraries to embrace open educational resources, digital inclusivity, and AI-driven innovations while retaining their core mission, empowering communities through equitable access to knowledge.

Representing CEMCA, Mr. T Khalid, Project Consultant, led a session titled “AI for Librarians: Reimagining Libraries as Innovation Hubs for Communities.” The session explored how librarians can integrate AI tools into their daily work, becoming AI advocates, ethical information curators, and facilitators of AI literacy.

Together, the sessions reflected COL-CEMCA’s commitment in advancing digital technologies, open education, and capacity building to foster sustainable learning communities and empower individuals across the Commonwealth.