In early August, Fuzhou (PRC) hosted the international forum "From Transformation to Integration: Libraries as an Innovative Engine for Sustainable Development" (WAL 2026). The event brought together over 600 library representatives from 15 countries to conduct an in-depth analysis of the future of academic libraries. Nurgul Imansydykova, Director of the Scientific Library at Abai University, attended the forum to explore global best practices.

The conference was co-organized by the International Association of University Libraries (IATUL), the libraries of Tsinghua University and The University of Hong Kong, alongside Tongfang Knowledge Network Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (CNKI). Library leaders, experts, and scholars from around the globe engaged in comprehensive discussions and scholarly exchanges.

The forum was structured in a "1 Main + 4 Parallel Sessions" format, balancing macro-level strategic dialogues with focused thematic discussions. Keynote sessions addressed topics such as "Sustainable Library Development and Innovations in Service Models," "Transformation and Renovation of Academic Libraries in the AI Era and Building the Library Ecosystem," and "Interdisciplinary Integration Under AI Influence and New Perspectives for Sustainable Library Development."

Parallel sessions covered leadership development and staff training, open science initiatives, the role of academic resources in supporting research, and development strategies for libraries in modern private universities. Experts explored mechanisms to transform libraries from traditional knowledge repositories into active innovation drivers. A defining feature of this year's forum was its heavy focus on artificial intelligence, which accounted for nearly 70% of the program.

On the sidelines of the forum, a dedicated meeting was held between library leadership from Kazakhstan and China's leading universities. Representatives from Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University and Xi'an Jiaotong University discussed a joint action plan and international knowledge-sharing initiatives. Previously, both institutions signed a memorandum of understanding to boost and exchange academic and scientific publications.

Xi'an Jiaotong University demonstrated its digital capabilities and shared its digital transformation experience, including e-resource management, AI-powered smart services, and mobile library development. The parties agreed to digitize rare historical documents and unique collections related to the Silk Road. Ultimately, they reached an agreement to build a unified cross-border digital document-sharing system powered by the search platform of Shaanxi Province universities.

At the conclusion of the forum, an action plan was approved under the University Alliance of the Silk Road to enhance interlibrary loans, organize staff exchange visits, and conduct joint research projects. This initiative is set to elevate academic and cultural cooperation between the two nations under the "Belt and Road" framework to a new level.

Abai University Media Center