Moroccan capital Rabat is a historical city with numerous heritage sites (Photo: ONMT)
Morocco’s capital Rabat has been designated as the World Book Capital for 2026. This was announced by Audrey Azoulay, Director-General, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) of UNESCO, in Paris, based on the recommendation of the World Book Capital Advisory Committee.
According to a press statement issued by UNESCO, with 54 publishing houses, the third largest international book and publishing fair in Africa and a growing number of bookstores, Rabat’s book industry is not only a vital part of the city’s creative economy but also at the forefront of democratising knowledge.
The statement adds that accordingly, UNESCO and the World Book Capital Advisory Committee have recognised Rabat for its clear commitment to literary development, the empowerment of women and youth through reading and the fight against illiteracy, especially among underserved communities.
“Following Rio de Janeiro in 2025, I am pleased to announce the designation of Rabat as World Book Capital for 2026. Rabat is a cultural crossroads where books help transmit knowledge and the arts in all their diversity. The growing local book industry is also playing a crucial role in advancing education. These actions resonate with UNESCO’s mandate,” says Azoulay.
According to UNESCO, as World Book Capital for 2026, Rabat will roll out a series of initiatives with the aim of fostering 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 literacy of all its citizens. The year of celebrations will start on April 23, 2026, on World Book and Copyright Day.
UNESCO says that cities designated as UNESCO World Book Capital undertake to promote books and reading for all ages and groups, within and across national borders, and to organise a programme of activities for the year. In 2001, Madrid in Spain was the first city to gain the title and since then 24 other cities have been designated, including Indian capital New Delhi in 2003.
According to the statement, the UNESCO World Book Capital Advisory Committee comprises representatives of European and International Booksellers Federation (EIBF), the International Authors Forum (IAF), the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA), the International Publishers Association (IPA), and UNESCO.