UNESCO marks World Book Day 2025 with call to celebrate reading and authors

The world celebrates World Book and Copyright Day on April 23, an occasion established by UNESCO in 1995 to highlight the importance of reading and honor authors for building bridges between generations and cultures.

The date holds symbolic literary significance, marking the deaths of renowned writers like Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. This made it a fitting choice for UNESCO’s annual celebration of books and authors.

In its 2025 statement, UNESCO emphasized the role of books in connecting the past and future and promoting global cultural dialogue. The organization also underlined the need to encourage reading, especially among youth, and recognized books as key to shaping thoughtful individuals and creative societies.

UNESCO continues its tradition of naming a “World Book Capital” each year to support reading initiatives, urging cultural institutions and readers worldwide to take part in honoring authors and expanding access to knowledge.