The National and University Library St. Clement of Ohrid – Skopje, in collaboration with the NGO for Macedonian-German Friendship and Cooperation – Skopje and with support from the German Embassy in Skopje, organized a three-day workshop entitled “Going Green: Libraries as Driving Partners for Sustainable Development in Infrastructure, Management, Projects, and Services.”

This initiative brought together experts and stakeholders to explore the role of libraries as dynamic partners in promoting sustainable practices. The workshop addressed a variety of topics focused on transforming library operations, from eco-friendly building practices and sustainable management strategies to innovative, environmentally-conscious projects and services.

From November 5th to 7th, 2024, the National and University Library “St. Clement of Ohrid” – Skopje hosted a certified three-day workshop at the Center for Conferences and Studies. Organized in partnership with the NGO for Macedonian-German Friendship and Cooperation and supported by the German Embassy in Skopje, the workshop, titled “Going Green: Libraries as Driving Partners for Sustainable Development in Infrastructure, Management, Projects, and Services,” brought together participants focused on the role of libraries in advancing the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This event specifically targeted members of IFLA’s Environmental Sustainability Libraries Special Interest Group (ENSULIB) and the German Green Library Network.

Libraries, as centers of accessible knowledge, play a crucial role in driving social change. They provide communities with essential resources and information on key issues, including climate change and sustainable development, raising awareness and fostering education around these critical areas.

The workshop was led by Professor Petra Hauke, a renowned member of IFLA/ENSULIB, Associate Professor at the Institute of Library and Information Science at Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, and an active member of the German Green Library Network. Professor Hauke presented core principles of “green libraries” and shared strategies for transitioning towards environmentally sustainable library practices, aligning with EU values on environmental and climate change.

The workshop drew about 40 librarians dedicated to acquiring the skills and insights needed to foster sustainable, green libraries that can drive positive community and environmental impact.