Rabat's Cultural Initiative as World Book Capital 2026
Starting April 24, 2026, Rabat will embrace its role as the World Book Capital with an extensive program featuring 342 diverse activities aimed at promoting reading and invigorating the cultural sector. Latifa Moftaqir, the commissioner for the 'Rabat, World Book Capital' program, emphasized at a recent press conference that the city is dedicated to establishing a cultural agenda that prioritizes human engagement and interaction with cultural products as a means of fostering human development.
The program encompasses a broad range of initiatives organized around twelve strategic axes, which include open events dedicated to reading, literary cafés, public awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of reading, exhibitions, mobile library setups, literary residencies, professional conferences, training sessions, and workshops. These activities are designed not only to stimulate interest in literature but also to engage various demographics within the community.
Rabat’s designation as a World Book Capital by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is founded on a thorough assessment of its historical, cognitive, and cultural significance. The city has long been associated with literature and knowledge dissemination, evidenced by its historic mosques and libraries. Furthermore, Rabat boasts a dynamic modern infrastructure comprising contemporary universities, cultural centers, and a vibrant civil society dedicated to promoting literacy and education.
Collaborative Efforts to Promote Reading
The activities will be organized in collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, local authorities from the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, and numerous national institutions. Additionally, UNESCO and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) will play vital roles in coordinating these events, alongside international diplomatic representations and civil society organizations. The goal is to create a comprehensive and varied programming schedule that will span the entire year, ensuring ongoing engagement with the community.
What sets this initiative apart is its dynamic approach, which seeks to bring literature beyond traditional settings like libraries and exhibition halls, making it accessible in everyday environments such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, orphanages, youth centers, and public transport hubs. Rabat’s recognition as the World Book Capital for 2026 follows Rio de Janeiro's tenure in 2025, with UNESCO highlighting the city’s cultural crossroads that facilitate the exchange of knowledge and arts. The burgeoning local publishing industry, including 54 publishing houses and an increasing number of bookstores, plays a crucial role in advancing education and aligns closely with UNESCO’s objectives.
As reported by fr.allafrica.com.
