“The World Cup of Books” invites itself to the UNESCO stand

This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:

HIBAPRESS-RABAT-SIEL

World Capital of Culture, the World Capital of Intangible Heritage … but world capital of the book, rare are those who know that such a title and such a program exist. However, both the title and the program are the fruit of the reflection of UNESCO and the International Publishers Association. Moreover, Gvantsa Jobava, the vice-president of the International Association of Publishers, was invited to the UNESCO stand at the International Edition and Book Fair in Rabat, to talk about it.

Regarding the title, it was Strasbourg who was crowned world capital of the book of the year 2024. Three years earlier, an American city, little known, has awarded this pompous title. It is in this case Tbilisi, city of the state of Georgia. Who would have thought that Tbilisi would be the world capital of the book in 2021? It was the same question that Gventsa Jobova had asked himself. This activist has implemented a diversified program including interesting activities to claim this status.

The result was successful. To the surprise of Jobova, Tbilissi was elected from his first candidacy. A moving experience that Gvantsa wanted to share at the UNESCO stand, by lighting up the entire application process until the election.

Since then, this World Capital Program of Book, created in 2001, has been largely publicized. Moreover, it is to talk about it and explain the ins and outs that Ian Denison, head of the World Capital Book Program and Head of Strategy and Planning of UNESCO Communication, intervened during this meeting.

This program is not only intended to initiate the cities selected in the promotion of the book but also to create an opportunity to communicate the essential values ​​of UNESCO. It is annual and open to all cities wishing to participate, drawing on their own financial means. A program, after all, which summarizes a strong commitment to promote reading and books among all age groups.