World Book and Copyright Day is observed annually across the world on 23 April to promote the enjoyment of books and reading.
- This day, recognizes the power of books to connect generations, preserve history, and bridge cultures across the world.
- The annual observance of World Book and Copyright Day is organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Theme:
i.The 2025 theme for World Book and Copyright Day is “The Role of Literature in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.
ii.This theme emphasizes how literature can inspire awareness and action towards global challenges such as poverty, hunger, inequality, and environmental degradation.
Note : There is no officially declared theme for the day, but this theme is widely mentioned in news sites.
Background:
i.World Book and Copyright Day was officially established by the UNESCO during its General Conference held in Paris in 1995. The aim was to honour the significant role that books and authors play in shaping individuals and societies.
ii.April 23 was selected as the date for this observance because it marks the death anniversaries of famous literary figures such as William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, as noted by UNESCO.
iii.The first official celebration of World Book and Copyright Day took place on 23 April 1996 in Barcelona, Spain.
World Book Capital 2025:
i.Rio de Janeiro(Brazil) was designated as the World Book Capital for 2025, following a comprehensive evaluation by the World Book Capital (WBC) Advisory Committee.
ii.Notably, Rio de Janeiro is the first Portuguese-speaking city to receive this designation, highlighting the global diversity of the World Book Capital program.
iii.The designation will commence on 23 April 2025, aligning with World Book and Copyright Day, and will involve a year-long series of events and initiatives to promote books and reading across all age groups.
iv.The World Book Capital program, initiated by UNESCO in 2001, aims to recognize cities’ efforts in promoting books and fostering reading. Previous cities awarded this title include Madrid (2001), New Delhi (2003), Accra (2023), and Strasbourg (2024).
About India’s Book Market:
i.India’s book industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing literacy rates and a burgeoning middle class.
ii.According to GlobalData, the Books, News, and Stationery segment in India registered a market value of approximately USD 10.3 billion in 2024, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11% between 2020 to 2023.
iii.The market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, reflecting the country’s expanding reader base and evolving preferences.
About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO):
Director-General(DG) – Audrey Azoulay
Headquarters- Paris, France
Established- 1945
