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Professor Karim Tahirov, Director of the Azerbaijan National Library named after M.F. Akhundov, is participating in the 40th Annual Meeting of the Conference of European National Librarians (CENL), held in Luxembourg. CENL is an international organization bringing together national libraries from 45 European countries. Traditionally hosted by different countries each year, the annual meeting is being held in Luxembourg this year.

At the opening of the first day, CENL President Frank Scholze and Claude Conter, Director General of the National Library of Luxembourg, welcomed the participants and wished them success in their discussions.

Following the welcoming remarks and introductions of all delegates, participants reviewed the minutes and annual report of CENL's 39th Annual Meeting, held at the National Library of Scotland in 2025. The organization's financial report and budget for the following year were also discussed, put to a vote, and approved. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening CENL's activities and identifying priorities for the coming period.

Professor Karim Tahirov, Director of the Azerbaijan National Library, warmly welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of international cooperation, stronger cultural ties, and professional exchange among national libraries in advancing modern librarianship. He highlighted the value of bringing together library professionals from different countries to share knowledge and experience, explore new opportunities for collaboration, and undertake joint initiatives aimed at preserving information resources for future generations. Expressing confidence that the conference would provide a platform for constructive discussions, productive exchanges, and new partnerships, he wished the participants a successful meeting.

The main conference sessions featured presentations on the application of artificial intelligence in libraries, digital cultural heritage management, electronic legal deposit systems, copyright, digital security, and the future of the information environment. Discussions highlighted the role of national libraries as custodians of cultural memory and the importance of preserving digital heritage for future generations. Global sustainable information networks, digital collection preservation, and international cooperation models were also extensively discussed.

As part of the sessions, Matjaz Gruden, Director for Democracy at the Council of Europe, delivered a keynote address entitled “Guardians of Cultural Memory: The Importance of European National Libraries in Preserving Europe's Cultural Heritage”. He emphasized the vital role of national libraries in safeguarding society's cultural memory, strengthening democratic values, and transmitting cultural heritage to future generations.

Participants also took part in working group discussions, exchanging views on key issues and their outcomes. At the end of the day, a guided tour of the National Library of Luxembourg was organized for conference delegates.

The conference will continue on June 16.

The National Library of Sweden will host the next CENL Annual Meeting in 2027.