Latest news with #WorldBookCapital
Indian Express
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
World Book and Copyright Day 2025: Book capital, history, significance — all you need to know
World Book and Copyright Day 2025: Books are the oldest source of knowledge for humanity. Today, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, people globally mark World Book and Copyright Day, which is observed every year to honour books and reading. The United Nations chose April 23 to commemorate the death anniversaries of literary greats William Shakespeare, Miguel Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. The objective of UNESCO's celebration of this day is to encourage people all across the world, particularly children, to develop a habit of reading books, especially in modern times, since many people have abandoned reading books due to information overload from other digital sources. 'Storytelling is an incredibly effective tool when it comes to educating younger generations'. 'Indeed, books are vital vehicles to access, transmit and promote education, science, culture, and information worldwide,' UNESCO notes. For this occasion, UNESCO chooses the World Book Capital every year, and in 2025, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has been designated as the World Book Capital. The city is going to demonstrate how books promote social transformation, including literacy, education, and poverty eradication, while also providing long-term economic rewards. On the occasion, Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General, highlighted the importance of books, stating, ' Books, in all their forms, allow us to learn and to keep ourselves informed. They also entertain us and help us to understand the world. For books to be able to unleash their full potential, it is essential that they reflect the linguistic diversity of our world. However, this is far from being the case today; the majority of works are published in just a handful of languages.' On this day, the globe also marks World Copyright Day, which aims to highlight the right to exchange ideas while protecting and crediting them as well. In 1952, UNESCO adopted the Universal Copyright Convention, introducing the © mark as a global guarantee for intellectual and creative work. View this post on Instagram A post shared by UNESCO (@unesco)
News18
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
World Book And Copyright Day 2025: Theme, History, Significance And How To Celebrate
World Book And Copyright Day 2025: World Book and Copyright Day is an annual global event dedicated to celebrating the books and reading. Held every year on April 23, it recognises books as powerful tools that connect generations, preserve history and bridge cultures across the world. On this day, the three major stakeholders in the book industry — publishers, booksellers and libraries — come together and organise various events to promote book reading. They also select the World Book Capital for a year to maintain through their own initiatives, according to the UNESCO.
The National
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Eight spots in Rabat for book lovers as city is named 2026 Unesco World Book Capital
Rabat's literary scene will take centre stage next year as the Moroccan capital was recently designated by Unesco as the World Book Capital for 2026. The honour is a tribute to the city's role as a cradle of Morocco's colourful literary culture − spanning grand institutions and organisations such as the National Archives and National Library, to popular bookstores run by families and even one particularly dedicated bibliophile. More than simply exhibiting and selling books, these places – big and small – tell the story of a city where culture remains at its heart. Here are eight places to visit. Located amidst the tree-lined boulevards and wide avenues of Rabat's Agdal district – long considered the city's academic quarter and home to major universities and institutions – the National Library of Morocco (Bibliotheque Nationale du Royaume du Maroc) boasts a collection reportedly exceeding 700,000 works that include rare manuscripts, historical local newspapers and maps. Open to the public, many of these items are accessible for reading in the library's numerous reading rooms. Additionally, a 300-seat auditorium is available for hosting cultural events, including book readings, literary exhibitions and lectures. Found on Avenue Ibn Battouta, the central road running through the Agdal district, the institution (also known as Archives du Maroc) was established in 2007 and opened to the public six years later. It is home to a treasure trove of documents from Morocco's French Protectorate period (during the early to mid 20th century), as well as a growing collection of works by Morocco's most influential authors, such as playwright Abdessamad Kenfaoui and Amazigh poet Brahim Akhiate. The bookstore's rustic appearance belies its history and significance to the city. Opened in 1948 and located on Avenue Mohammed V, one of Rabat's oldest literary haunts continues to hold a variety of novels and children's books, as well as educational texts and business magazines. Librairie Kalila wa Dimna is also a meeting spot for culture lovers, with books available in Arabic, French, English and Spanish. It is also used to host book launches and author discussions. The family-run bookstore has been open since 1961 and has been the point of call for those seeking the latest novels or textbooks for the new school year. With floor-to-ceiling shelves and a rather Byzantine categorisation, it remains a beloved fixture of the city's cultural landscape. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, The English Bookshop – located on the corner of Rabat-Ville Train Station – is reportedly described as Rabat's only bookstore solely dedicated to English readers, with selections ranging from novels and non-fiction works to academic books. As a result, it has become a gathering spot for Anglophiles and tourists, and if you take your time perusing the shelves, you may walk away with some rare out-of-print novels. A one-man cultural landmark, Mohamed Aziz is hailed as Rabat's oldest bookseller, having set up his small store amid the city's bustling souq in the Medina in 1967. Reportedly in his seventies, you can still find Aziz ensconced within his near 5,000-book collection – from vintage paperback novels to French classics – all amassed in piles whose categorisation is charmingly only known to him. Also known by locals as Joutia, meaning "retro marketplace", and located within Rabat's Medina, this open area is a haven for book lovers. It offers vintage novels and classic texts in various languages (I spotted some classic spy fiction gems by Jack Higgins and AJ Quinnell), as well as coffee table books and academic titles. Come with cash and be prepared to haggle. A brisk walk from the Rabat Ville train station, the institute is one of the city's most active cultural hubs, featuring a library with more than 30,000 titles in French, Arabic and other languages, along with dedicated spaces for book signings and launches by Moroccan and French authors.
Gulf Today
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Sharjah shares sustainable cultural model in France
Under the directives of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority and Chair of the Advisory Committee of Sharjah World Book Capital, the emirate of Sharjah was represented by the Sharjah World Book Capital Office at the 6th meeting of the World Book Capital Network (WBCN), which took place in Strasburg; the World Book Capital 2024, convening representatives of the cities that were given this prestigious title, designated by UNESCO annually. The meeting brought together Anne Mistler, Deputy Mayor in charge of Arts and Culture in Strasbourg, along with representatives of past, present and future World Book Cities. Sharjah's participation in the meeting aligned with the emirate's role in supporting the WBCN and contributing to the enhancement of the reading culture globally, driven by its remarkable experience in turning the Sharjah World Book Capital 2019 title into a year-round sustainable and comprehensive cultural project. The meeting is the final step that precedes wrapping up the title celebration in Strasbourg, as Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is announced the 2025 World Book Capital, while Rabat, Morocco, is gearing up to receive the 2026 title, making it the first Moroccan city to get this global honour. Marwa Al Aqroubi, Director or Project lead of the Sharjah World Book Capital 2019 and Executive Director of House of Wisdom, affirmed that Sharjah views its membership in the World Book Capital Network as both a cultural duty and a moral commitment. She noted that the emirate actively supports fellow cities by sharing the wealth of experience gained during its World Book Capital year — an ambitious programme that championed cultural diversity, encouraged knowledge sharing, and positioned books as catalysts for community growth. 'When Sharjah was named World Book Capital in 2019, we made a promise — to transform this title from a celebratory moment into a lasting evolution in our cultural landscape,' she said. 'Six years on, the initiatives we launched then continue to flourish, expanding across borders and introducing global audiences to Sharjah's enduring cultural vision.' She added: 'Taking part in the WBCN enabled us to gain insights into the experiences of other cities, engage in the global challenges, exchange expertise and offer practice-driven solutions. The WBCN meetings offered a platform to exchange ideas on the role of reading in enabling communities in light of the fast-paced social and technological development. In line with our firm belief that books serve not only to knowledge, but also as a cross-cultural communication tool, we continue our commitment to supporting cities that prepare to get designated this title and working closely with UNESCO and our partners to turn reading into a daily habit and lifestyle.' The attendees discussed the new activities organised by the cities that were selected as World Book capital. Mawra Al Aqroubi focused on festivities like the Sharjah Libraries Centennial, Sharjah Literature Festival, Sharjah Festival of African Literature, among others. The participants explored ways to support and encourage other cities to present their nominations, as well as helping them with the forms. They discussed projects worthy of support, in light of Sharjah's participation in the partnership and support committee dedicated to World Book capital projects. The WBCN is one of the most important cultural initiatives launched by UNESCO to support cities that were designated the prestigious title, enable knowledge and expertise exchange, and collaborate in quality programs that elevate the value of reading locally and regionally. The network offers a platform for dialogue between cities and documents successful experiences, paving the way to a global cultural environment that recognises the value of books as an essential pillar of development, innovation.
Morocco World
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
SIEL Opens with Conversations on Culture, Memory, and Literary Legacy
Rabat – The opening days of Morocco's International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL) brought together a constellation of influential figures. From renowned authors to prominent rights advocates, the fair's participants all converged to reflect on the evolving cultural and literary landscapes of the country. With more than 775 exhibitors representing 51 countries, this landmark edition of SIEL places Rabat at the forefront of international literary exchange. Showcasing over 100,000 titles, the event offers not just scale but a rich experience rooted in authenticity, depth, and exploration. Organized by Morocco's Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication in collaboration with the Rabat-Sale-Kénitra region and the city of Rabat, the fair aligns with broader efforts to establish the capital as a cultural hub, momentum that continues to build ahead of its designation as UNESCO's World Book Capital in 2026. A noble cause Among the present figures in this year's edition is Driss El Yazami, president of the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad (CCME) and former head of Morocco's National Council of Human Rights. Known for his lifelong activism, El Yazami's work continues to bridge human rights concerns with questions of identity, diaspora, and intellectual engagement. During an interview with Morocco World News (MWN) on the sidelines of this year's SIEL, El Yazami reflected on the cultural significance of the fair and the enduring presence of Moroccan literature beyond its borders. 'Since the first time I came to the book fair in Casablanca in the early 2000s, I've always been impressed by the participation of the public, especially children,' he said. 'Some people are bothered by it, but for me, seeing children touch books, even if they can't afford to buy them, has always brought me joy.' El Yazami described the fair as 'a great cultural celebration' that resonates even if few books are purchased. 'The act of touching a book, that alone is essential.' He praised the growing international presence of Moroccan writers, noting that 'the Moroccan novel is now written in Arabic, Amazigh, French, Castilian, Catalan, German and Italian.' This year's edition, which pays tribute to Moroccans living abroad, reflects this diversity. Addressing the general decline in reading, El Yazami called for a national and collective response. 'Promoting reading is of course the responsibility of public institutions and schools,' he said, 'but it's also up to local communities and each one of us.' He also stressed the importance of inspiring role models for young readers: 'When Leïla Slimani won the Prix Goncourt, it inspired many young Moroccan writers around the world. We need characters who inspire us.' El Yazami's presence at SIEL notes the fair's longstanding role as a platform for cultural introspection, where literature meets the public sphere and discussions stretch beyond the page to embrace historical memory and collective futures. Also attending the fair's opening day was the celebrated Moroccan poet and writer Abdellatif Laâbi. A towering figure in Moroccan literature, Laâbi's work has shaped generations of writers and readers, both within Morocco and abroad. The recipient of numerous international literary awards, his poetry and prose continue to interrogate power, exile, and the enduring power of the written word. Laâbi spoke with Morocco World News (MWN) about the intersection of literature and global tragedies, focusing particularly on the genocide in Gaza. Reflecting on the emotional impact of the events, Laâbi explained, 'What motivated me to work on the poetry of Gaza with Yassine Adnan was the tragedy faced by this part of the Palestinian people in Gaza over the past year. In the first weeks and months, I felt deeply distressed. I didn't know what to do.' He described the struggle of finding the right words to express such deep sorrow, admitting: 'I couldn't write about what was happening as a poet.' Instead, Laâbi and Adnan focused on amplifying the voices of Palestinian poets who were living the genocide firsthand. 'The only idea that came to me, to us, was to make the voices of the poets heard,' Laâbi said. They selected 26 Palestinian poets, many of whom were difficult to reach due to the horrible conditions in Gaza. 'It was a real guerrilla struggle we had to carry out to maintain the connection and receive the texts,' he shared, noting the effort it took to gather their work and translate it into French and Arabic for publication. At SIEL, which has long served as a platform for global discussions on literature, Laâbi's work reminded attendees that literature's role is not just to celebrate culture, but to respond to the world's most pressing humanitarian catastrophe. Laâbi's contributions to this year's fair noted the importance of resistance through language, a thread that runs through much of his oeuvre, from his early activism to his contemporary reflections on spirituality and humanity. Books for everyone The fair also drew thousands of readers and book enthusiasts from across the country. For many, SIEL remains an annual tradition and a cherished space of literary discovery. Walid Hmain, an Arabic teacher and passionate reader, was among the first visitors on opening day. 'I came here today to get a lot of books, as you can see,' he shared, holding up a stack of his new treasures. He lauded the overall experience, commenting on the welcoming atmosphere: 'The service is good, everyone is nice.' With such a positive experience, Walid already has plans for next year's fair: 'I can't wait to do it next year again.' His words show the excitement and good energy that SIEL continues to inspire in its visitors, making it a must-attend event for book lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. The upcoming week is set to be filled with panel discussions, workshops, and debates exploring a wide range of themes, from Moroccan and international literature to women's writing in Morocco, the challenges of publishing, poetry, and the literary contributions of the Moroccan diaspora. The fair also makes space for Gaza, noting the role of words as a form of resistance against the genocide. As the fair continues, conversations with authors, publishers, and cultural figures are expected to delve into pressing topics ranging from freedom of expression to the role of literature in times of crisis. With voices like El Yazami and Laâbi at the forefront, SIEL once again affirms its role not only as a marketplace of books, but as a vital meeting point for dialogue and reflection.
