A delegation from the Maldives undertook a professional development visit to Chughtai Public Library (CPL) in Lahore, Pakistan, to learn about approaches to community engagement, library services, and knowledge preservation. The delegation comprised Dr Aminath Riyaz, Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Sciences at The Maldives National University (MNU); Ms Rishfa Ibrahim, Deputy Librarian; and Ms Ajra Rafeeq, President of the Maldives Library Association.

The visit provided an opportunity for the delegation to exchange professional experiences with library representatives and explore approaches to strengthening library and information services. Discussions focused on the role of libraries in improving access to knowledge, preserving information resources, and responding to the learning needs of diverse communities.

Particular attention was given to opportunities for professional development and the use of technology in library operations. The delegation discussed potential collaboration through training programmes and webinars, with a focus on library automation and digitisation. These areas offer opportunities for library professionals to exchange expertise and explore approaches to improving the organisation, management, preservation, and accessibility of library resources.

The engagement also facilitated cross-cultural learning and professional networking between library representatives from the Maldives and Pakistan. Sharing experiences across different institutional and cultural contexts enabled participants to explore approaches that could inform the continued development of library services in their respective countries.

The visit highlighted the role of public libraries as community learning spaces that support access to information, knowledge preservation, and lifelong learning. It also demonstrated the value of professional networks in identifying opportunities for skills development, technological advancement, and future cooperation among library and information professionals.

The professional development visit contributed to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting professional learning and the exchange of knowledge; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through discussions on library automation and digitisation; SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by exploring approaches to improving access to information and library services for diverse communities; SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by highlighting the role of libraries in preserving knowledge resources and supporting community learning; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through professional engagement between Maldivian and Pakistani library representatives and discussions on potential future training and knowledge-sharing initiatives.