World Book and Copyright Day is annually observed across the globe on 23rd April to promote the benefits of reading, publishing and copyright. The annual observance of the world book and copyright day is organised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
The year 2021 marks the observance of the 25th edition of UNESCO’s World book day.
Background:
UNESCO adopted the resolution during its 28th session of the General Conference held in Paris in 1995 and proclaimed the 23rd April of every year as the World Book and copyright day to pay tribute to the books of authors and encourage everyone to read.
Why April 23?
i.The 23rd April is a symbolic date of the world literature, which marks the death anniversary of Miguel de Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, all who died on the 23rd April 1616.
ii.The date is also associated with the birth and death of other famous authors like Maurice Druon, HaldorK.Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, JosepPla and Manuel Mejía Vallejo.
Events:
The events and programs of the World Book and copyrights day 2021 are focused on the slogan – “Ok. So your next book is…?” – to promote reading among young people.
As a part of the celebration the UNESCO has created a “Bookface Challenge”
World book Capital 2021:
i.AudreyAzoulay,Director-General of UNESCO has named Tbilisi of Georgia as the world book capital of the year 2021.
ii.Tbilisi was recommended by the World Book Capital Advisory Committee which met in June 2019 in Switzerland.
- Every year since 2000, UNESCO and the international organizations of the 3 major sectors of book industry publishers, booksellers and libraries select the World Book Capital for a period of 1 year with effect from 23rd April.
Note:
- The advisory committee consists of representatives from the International Publisher’s Association (IPA), the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) and UNESCO.
- New Delhi was named as the World Book Capital in the year 2003.
