World Book and Copyright Day 2022 – April 23

World Book and Copyright Day is annually observed across the globe on 23rd April to celebrate and promote the enjoyment of books and reading. The day also recognises the scope of books as a connection between the past and the future and a bridge between generations and cultures. 

• The day will also promote the benefits of reading, writing books, translating, publishing and copyright. 

The observance of the World Book and Copyright Day is annually organised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO).

Background:

i.During the 28th session of the UNESCO’s General Conference held in Paris, France, from 25th October to 16th November 1995, UNESCO adopted a resolution proclaiming the 23rd April of every year as the World Book and Copyright Day. 

ii.The first-ever World Book and Copyright Day was observed on 23rd April 1996. 

Why April 23?

i.23rd April was chosen to observe World Book and Copyright Day as it was the date in 1616 that Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega died. 

ii.The date also marks the birth and death of several other prominent authors such as Maurice Druon, Halldór K.Laxness, Josep Pla I Casadevall and Manuel Mejía Vallejo.

World Book Capital:

i.On the occasion of World Book and Copyright Day, UNESCO and the international organizations representing the three major sectors of the book industry – publishers, booksellers and libraries selected the World Book Capital for a year to maintain the impetus of the celebrations of World Book & Copyright Day. 

ii.The first World Book Capital (2001) was Madrid (Spain). 

World Book Capital 2022- Mexican city of Guadalajara:

i.Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay has named the Guadalajara city in Mexico as the World Book Capital of 2022, on the recommendation of the World Book Capital Advisory Committee.

The committee consists of representatives from the International Publisher’s Association (IPA), the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) and UNESCO.

ii.The city will take up a year-long programme that focuses on the role of books and reading in triggering social change, combating violence, and building a culture of peace.

• Guadalajara has been a UNESCO Creative City since 2017.

Note: New Delhi(India) was named the world book capital in 2003.

About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):

Director-General– Audrey Azoulay
Headquarters– Paris, France