World Book and Copyright Day, also known as World Book Day or International Day of the book, is celebrated every year on April 23 all over the world. This event is organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the day aims to promote reading, publishing and copyright.
Key Points:
i.Each year, UNESCO and the international organisations representing the 3 major sectors of the book industry- publishers, book sellers and libraries, select the World Book Capital for a period of one year from April 23.
ii.World Book Capital 2020: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
iii.The Slogan for the year 2020 is “KL Baca- caring through reading”. Also, UNESCO quoted, “Books: A Window into the World during COVID-19.”
iv.The program focuses on 4 themes: reading in all its forms, development of the book industry infrastructure, inclusiveness & digital accessibility and empowerment of children through reading.
v.The other events and activities includes the construction of book city (the Kota Buku Complex), a reading campaign for train commuters, enhancing of digital services and accessibility by the National Library of Malaysia for the disabled, and new digital services for 12 libraries in poor housing areas of Kuala Lumpur.
vi.History of the Day: On April 23, 1616, prominent writers Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. It is also the date of birth or death of other prominent authors, such as Maurice Druon, HaldorK.Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, JosepPla and Manuel Mejía Vallejo.
vii.Then in 1995, UNESCO’s General Conference was held in Paris where April 23 was regarded as the “World Book and Copyright Day” to pay a world-wide tribute to books and authors.
About UNESCO:
Headquarters– Paris, France.
Director-General– Audrey Azoulay.
About Malaysia:
Capital– Kuala Lumpur.
Currency– Malaysian ringgit.
Prime Minister– Muhyiddin bin Haji Muhammad Yassin.
