UNESCO names Rabat, Morocco as World Book Capital for 2026.
- Featured Photo: General Policy Debate at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Image © UNESCO/Christelle ALIX.
Paris, France, October 17, 2024 — UNESCO’s Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, has designated Rabat, Morocco, as the World Book Capital for 2026, following recommendations from the World Book Capital Advisory Committee.
“I am pleased to announce the designation of Rabat as the World Book Capital for 2026, succeeding Rio de Janeiro in 2025. Rabat is a vital cultural crossroads where literature plays a significant role in disseminating knowledge and embracing artistic diversity. Furthermore, the burgeoning local book industry is essential to advancing educational initiatives. These developments align harmoniously with UNESCO’s mission.” UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay stated.
Rabat’s book industry is crucial to the city’s creative economy. With 54 publishing houses, it is home to Africa’s third-largest international book and publishing fair and a growing number of bookstores. This vibrant industry is also leading the charge in democratizing knowledge.
Rabat has been recognized by UNESCO and the World Book Capital Advisory Committee for its strong commitment to promoting literary development, empowering women and youth through reading, and combating illiteracy, particularly in underserved communities.
As World Book Capital for 2026, Rabat will roll out initiatives to foster sustainable economic growth and social benefits by enhancing access to books and supporting the local publishing industry. In particular, the city will launch a major initiative to reinforce the literacy of all its citizens.
Cities designated as UNESCO World Book Capitals commit to promoting books and reading for people of all ages and backgrounds, both within their borders and across nations. They are also responsible for organizing a year-long program of activities centered around this theme.
Rabat has become the twenty-sixth city to hold this title since its inception in 2001.
The following cities have hosted events in the respective years:
- Madrid (2001)
- Alexandria (2002)
- New Delhi (2003)
- Antwerp (2004)
- Montreal (2005)
- Turin (2006)
- Bogotá (2007)
- Amsterdam (2008)
- Beirut (2009)
- Ljubljana (2010)
- Buenos Aires (2011)
- Yerevan (2012)
- Bangkok (2013)
- Port Harcourt (2014)
- Incheon (2015)
- Wrocław (2016)
- Conakry (2017)
- Athens (2018)
- Sharjah (2019)
- Kuala Lumpur (2020)
- Tbilisi (2021)
- Guadalajara (2022)
- Accra (2023)
- Strasbourg (2024)
- Rio de Janeiro (2025)
The UNESCO World Book Capital Advisory Committee includes representatives from:
UNESCO,
the European and International Booksellers Federation (EIBF),
the International Authors Forum (IAF),
the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA), and
the International Publishers Association (IPA).
Source: UNESCO
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