Message from Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of World Book and Copyright Day, 23 April 2020

During this period of uncertainty, many people turn to books in an attempt to survive forced self-isolation and fight anxiety.

This is due to the fact that books have a unique ability to distract us, give us knowledge, being at the same time a tool that allows you to forget about your own problems, get to know the author, another universe or culture, and at the same time gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in your own world. Reading a book, page after page, we follow the secret paths of human thought, which takes us to different eras and countries and makes it possible to feel what is called freedom.

This is the magic of books, which we especially need at the present time, when we all realize how important literature and other arts are to us.

Celebrating the day of the book, we honor their authors, men and women, whose talent makes it possible to see this kaleidoscope of life, these different universes, opens a window to the world and introduces us to a different worldview. That is why this International Day is celebrated on April 23, the anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare, Miguel Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, whose works have fueled our imagination for four centuries.

Remembering them, we cannot but remember the representatives of all professions related to the book - publishers, editors and translators who are directly involved in the popularization of our literary heritage and provide the very opportunity to get acquainted with new creations and spread new ideas.

These professions need to be supported and encouraged, which is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic, which threatens to seriously and permanently limit the development of the “meeting industry”, by which we mean the cultural sector.

UNESCO highly values ​​the work of publishers, including through its partnerships with the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions and the International Association of Publishers.

In order to fully exploit the potential of reading, so that reading becomes a safe haven for all women and men, an opportunity to indulge in daydreaming and reflection, a way to gain new knowledge, it is important to provide access to books. This is the message of the Kuala Lumpur Commitment: On 23 April, Kuala Lumpur will become World Book Capital 2020, thanks in part to its commitment to promoting literacy and an inclusive book culture.

In these times, when reading has become so valuable, our common desire to unite in and through reading has taken on an even deeper meaning. On this World Book and Copyright Day, I urge you all to turn to the book, turning the pages of which will give you a breath of fresh air and strength to live today and look confidently into the future.

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