The UNESCO has named Morocco’s capital Rabat as the World’s Book Capital for 2026, recognizing the city’s buoyant publishing industry.
“Following Rio de Janeiro in 2025, I am pleased to announce the designation of Rabat as World Book Capital for 2026. Rabat is a cultural crossroads where books help transmit knowledge and the arts in all their diversity. The growing local book industry is also playing a crucial role in advancing education. These actions resonate with UNESCO’s mandate,” Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General announced.
Cities designated as UNESCO World Book Capital undertake to promote books and reading for all ages and groups, within and across national borders, and to organize a programme of activities for the year.
Rabat was designated at the recommendation of the UNESCO’s World Book Capital Advisory Committee part of unesco in recognition of the growing number of bookstores in the city and its book industry, which is “not only a vital part of the city’s creative economy but also at the forefront of democratizing knowledge.”
The decision is also a recognition of Rabat’s clear commitment to literacy development, the empowerment of women and youth through reading and the fight against illiteracy, especially among underserved communities, the UNESCO said on its website.
As World Book Capital for 2026, Rabat will roll out a series of initiatives with the aim of fostering sustainable economic growth and social benefits by enhancing access to books and supporting the local publishing industry. In particular, the city will launch a major initiative to reinforce literacy of all its citizens, it said.