CC BY 4.0Francis, Frank2026-03-052026-03-052026-03-05https://repository.ifla.org/handle/20.500.14598/7052Prepared by outgoing IFLA President Frank Francis for an Executive Board meeting in May 1970, this document addresses the role and responsibilities of IFLA in supporting libraries in developing countries. Francis highlights the lack of IFLA’s active engagement with these nations despite its international status and calls for a strategic and collaborative approach, emphasising respect for local needs and integration with practical social programmes.enghttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0Developing countriesLibrary and information historyInternational cooperationNon-governmental organizationsReportsInternational Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)