Focusing on the conference theme "Living Together: People, Libraries, Information," the opening speech of the 54th International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) General Conference was presented by association president Hans-Peter Geh. This paper reflects on: (1) the significance of holding the conference in Australia; (2) the role of libraries in the integration of cultural differences into one polity; (3) the interdependence of countries and increased demand for information worldwide; (4) the history, importance, and future of the book as the most important vehicle for the dissemination of information and for the exchange of knowledge, opinions, and ideas; (5) the promotion of reading and the fight against illiteracy; and (6) the intensive cooperation between Unesco and IFLA and their nongovernmental organizations; (7) the 1988 fire in the library of the Leningrad Academy of Science; and (8) the 1988 revival of Egypt's Alexandrina Library. The plenary paper, "IFLA in the Antipodes: A Regional Perspective" (Warren Horton, National Library of Australia), discusses the Year of the Reader Programme to be mounted in Australia in 1990; information planning in Australia over the previous 5 years; and progress toward a national information policy for Australia. Both English and German versions of the opening speech are provided. (CGD)