The Faculty of Arts, The Maldives National University, in collaboration with the Maldives Library Association and the Academic Library Association of Indonesia, held the closing ceremony of the Professional Development Workshop in Library and Information Services (PDW-LIS) 2024 Indonesia, celebrating the successful completion of an international professional learning programme for Maldivian library and information professionals.

The hybrid closing ceremony brought together participants, facilitators and institutional partners from multiple countries to recognise the commitment of participants to professional development, continuous learning and strengthening their knowledge and skills in library and information services.

The programme provided an opportunity for library and information professionals to engage in an international learning environment, exchange knowledge and experiences, and connect with colleagues and professional organisations beyond national borders. The collaboration between the Faculty of Arts, Maldives Library Association and the Academic Library Association of Indonesia also demonstrated the value of institutional partnerships in supporting professional learning and capacity development.

The ceremony highlighted the importance of continued investment in a skilled and connected library and information workforce. By encouraging professional growth and knowledge sharing, the programme contributed to strengthening the capacity of professionals to support learning, information access and knowledge services within their respective institutions and communities.

The international nature of the programme also created opportunities for participants to engage with diverse professional perspectives and experiences, supporting a more inclusive and connected professional community.

The initiative contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by supporting lifelong learning and professional development. It supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through skills development and strengthening professional capacity, while SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) is supported through opportunities for knowledge exchange and professional learning across different contexts. The collaboration between the Faculty of Arts, Maldives Library Association and the Academic Library Association of Indonesia directly supports SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening international institutional cooperation and knowledge exchange.