Tag: North Africa Records

MOROCCO : CNDH President Amina Bouayach Receives 2025 Mediterranean Foundation Award in Naples, Italy

Bouayech praised Morocco’s efforts in promoting human rights including recently proposed changes to the country’s family code.

Amina Bouayach, the President of Morocco’s National Human Rights Council (CNDH), has been awarded the 2025 Mediterranean Foundation Award for her contributions to promoting human rights in Morocco and internationally.

The award, presented to her on Friday in Naples, Italy, recognizes individuals or organizations dedicated to upholding the values of human dignity and freedom.

Established by Italian sculptor Mario Molinari, the Mediterranean Prize is a symbol of peace and coexistence between countries. It recognized Bouayach’s work in advancing equality, justice, and fundamental freedoms, the foundation said in a statement.

During the ceremony, President of the foundation, Michael Capasso, along with international jury members and Professor Abdelhak Azouzi, praised Bouayach for her extensive work in human rights.

Bouayach was born in Tetouan, a small city in northern Morocco. For decades, she has been a tireless advocate for women’s and children’s rights, often speaking out against the injustices they face. She has also worked to improve the rights of marginalized groups around the world.

In recognition of her dedication and leadership, King Mohammed VI appointed her as president of CNDH in 2018.

She has also held significant positions in global human rights organizations, including Vice-President of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions and Vice-President of the International Federation for Human Rights.

In addition to her work in human rights, Bouayach has had a career in diplomacy, having served as Morocco’s Ambassador to Sweden and Latvia.

In her acceptance speech, Bouayach expressed gratitude for the recognition and praised Morocco’s efforts in promoting human rights. She particularly mentioned recent reforms like the vote in favor of a universal moratorium on the death penalty.

“This distinction, while touching me as a woman and activist, is primarily a tribute to my country, Morocco, for its unwavering commitment to the universal values of dignity, justice, and equality,” Bouayech said.

She also mentioned the proposed reforms to Morocco’s family code and they recognize women’s contributions in the household when distributing marital property. “These ambitious reforms, full of hope, aim to strengthen the rights of women and children, bringing significant advancements,” Bouayach said.

CNDH President also noted that the Mediterranean is more than just a geographic area; it is a place rich with shared history, where different cultures have come together to build a common heritage.

She acknowledged the challenges the region faces, such as conflicts and climate change, but stressed that the Mediterranean’s heritage of humanity and diversity offers hope and the potential for renewed dialogue.

In addition, she noted the important role of women in driving social and political change in the Mediterranean, especially in Morocco.

“I dedicate this award to all Mediterranean women who, every day, build bridges between cultures and generations,” she concluded.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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MOROCCO

EGYPT : Meet Professor Essam Safi El-Din: An Egyptian architect and tutor

As he submitted the final maquettes (small-scale models) of Egypt’s folk architecture to the soon-to-open Museum of Folk Arts, Ahram Online spoke to the master himself about the merits and grace of architecture.

To Professor Essam Safi El-Din, architecture is an authentic musical note that resonates with the human touch of the people who conceptualised, built and lived in the building.

Known as the Architect and Tutor who, for over 55 years taught, designed and founded the house of Egyptian Architect and The museum of Folk Arts, Essam Safi El-Din has always believed in the philosophy and grace of popular architecture.

From Shubra Tramway to El-Refaai and Sultan Hassan

“In the 1980s, I designed the pedestrian passage between Sultan Hassan and El-Refaai Mosque, which was originally the tracks of the tramway. So my sketches were inspired by my daily tram ride from Shubra where I lived as a child in 1947 to the Citadel. I copied the same pattern that the tram took from narrow streets that end up in a vast square and the pedestrian area captured the grace and serenity of the architectural gems of the two heritage mosques,” he told Ahram Online.

On revisiting the tramway voyages with open eyes, Safi El-Dien realised that his eyes captured the human wisdom and truth in the details of the buildings that ran by him as the tramway moved across various districts of Cairo.

Handmade Architecture

A child to a renowned architect, Safi El-Din has always been fascinated by designing houses. Making his own handmade maquettes was his passion since childhood. “Since I was seven-years-old I was charmed by architecture and my prize for doing my homework was that I would go to my father’s architecture office and draw with him. My eyes started to watch the buildings and ask who built it and why,” he remembered. This passion was manifested into Egypt’s oldest mockup and design architecture in Egypt and the Arab World.

Passion for Old Buildings

Describing his favorite work spot in his home, Safi El-Din revealed to Ahram Online his relationship with the radio. “Wherever I work, I have two radios to choose from, one set to a music programme and the other to the Quran channel,” he noted

“I was always enchanted by the old architecture because of its beautiful art effects, motifs and language. There is a human and visual dialogue between me and the building because I feel the presence of the head of builders, the builders, and the inhabitants of such building. Old architecture is close to me for it fits the human scale with all its space, physiological and emotional needs,” he explained, describing how buildings can promote serenity and induce better mood for humans.

“You see, architecture is still music, and an architect has to be an artist who has a taste in music,” he explained.

Inspiring Architects

“The architects that have inspired me at an early age are Said Karim whose sketches were the first drawings I have seen in my Dad’s office. I was very fond of Hassan Fathy and Ramsis Wissa Wassef because they have this great sense of belonging to the local building techniques as a mission and a cause,” he added. His passion to safeguard the valuable knowledge in architecture and the grace of local architecture was passed on to all the students he taught and mentored in college throughout the course of over 55 years of academic world. However his keenness to pass on such knowledge to the public made him go the extra mile.

The House of Egyptian Architecture and The National Folk Museum

In the early 1980s, he wanted to document all types of Egyptian architecture under one roof. The Ministry of Culture granted him the current House of Egyptian Architecture. The charming Ottoman-style house that belonged to Hassan Fathy – the father of modern architecture in Egypt – was once the studio of Orientalist artists and has since become a cultural hub, and a museum of local architecture.

Safi El-Din’s maquettes portraying the unique identity of Egyptian architecture were the foundation of The National Folk Art Museum that held its soft opening a few months ago.

Located at the High Institute for Folk Arts in the Haram district, Giza, the official opening date for the museum has not yet been announced. 

“The National Folk Art Museum is different from any museum of history because it is not focused just on the historic facts, it is more focused on the cultural value of such items in that era. The value of architecture and its types and how it is comforting. Folk arts as well as folk architecture, reveal the indigenous roots of culture, conduct, the skills of craftsmanship and handicrafts, ” he added.

Essam Safi El-Din’s name resonates with success and authenticity. There is a library dedicated to his works at the British University in Cairo, and he is currently working on a book on his eternal dialogue between architecture and art.

Gems of Wisdom  

The most important thing that I have learned is that the value of history is not about knowing the facts, it’s about contextualizing such facts. He stated that his motto in life is a verse from the Quran stating that God will reward all your efforts.

“A person needs to know what his/her mission in life is; why is he here? We need to teach architectural criticism as a subject not a mere cross cutting theme. We need to know the impact of architects on social life and the environment.”  

source/content: english.ahram.org.eg

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EGYPT

ALGERIA to head UN Security Council in January 2025

Beginning January 1, 2025, Algeria assumes the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for one month, marking a notable step in its diplomatic engagement. With its long-standing support for just causes in the Middle East and Africa, this presidency provides the country with a strategic opportunity to highlight crucial issues.

Clear Priorities for a Central Role
As a non-permanent member of the Council for a year, Algeria is concentrating on major issues such as the situation in Palestine, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and security challenges in Africa, especially the fight against terrorism.

An open ministerial discussion on “The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question” will bring together key international players, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Focus on Palestine: A Historic Priority
The Palestinian issue, a cornerstone of Algeria’s diplomacy, is paramount to this presidency. Fifteen months after a deadly escalation in Gaza, Algeria reaffirms the need for an “immediate” and “permanent” ceasefire.

Algerian Ambassador to the UN, Amar Benjama, has been leading efforts since March 2024 to promote peace in the region. In parallel, Algeria is renewing its call for full Palestinian membership in the UN, aiming to realize the two-state solution and restore the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

Addressing Regional Crises
In addition to Palestine, Algeria will focus on other major conflicts:

Syria: A session will address the political and humanitarian situation in this war-torn country.
Yemen: UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg will intervene to evaluate peace prospects and respond to the humanitarian emergency.


An African Priority: Fighting Terrorism
On the African front, Algeria will convene a high-level meeting on counterterrorism, a growing threat to the stability of many states on the continent.

Ahmed Attaf, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will emphasise ways to strengthen international cooperation in addressing this scourge.

A Presidency Full of Hope
Under the leadership of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Algeria aims to use this platform to promote peace, security, and justice in key regions.

With ambitious initiatives and active leadership, this presidency of the Security Council represents a unique opportunity for Algeria to defend the interests of Arab and African nations while consolidating its position on the global diplomatic stage.

source/content: news-tunisia.tunisenumerique.com/algeria (headline edited)

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ALGERIA

ALGERIA / DUBAI, UAE : ARAB : Mohammed bin Rashid congratulates Algerian Professor Yacine Aït-Sahalia Winner of ‘Great Arab Minds Award in Economics 2024’

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has congratulated Professor Yacine Aït-Sahalia, Professor of Finance and Economics at Princeton University, for winning the Great Arab Minds Award in Economics for 2024.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed praised Professor Yacine Aït-Sahalia for his pioneering contributions to financial econometrics, data measurement, and financial analysis. His work advanced the modelling of high-frequency financial data and continuous-time processes, enabling deeper understanding of variables.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said, “We congratulate the winner of the Great Arab Minds Award in Economics for 2024, Professor Yacine Aït-Sahalia from Algeria, Professor of Finance and Economics at Princeton University, who has made exceptional contributions by developing an advanced economic and financial metric to determine volatility levels and understand future patterns of market fluctuations. His work has enhanced financial market analysis, improved economic risk assessments, and increased the efficiency of financial and economic planning.

“We celebrate his achievement and take pride in all Arab minds who have inspired us with their creativity. We look forward to meeting them soon at the Great Arab Minds ceremony.”

Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Great Arab Minds Higher Committee, informed Professor Yacine Aït-Sahalia of his win via video call. Al Gergawi highlighted that the award reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s vision to celebrate and support exceptional Arab talent, highlight their achievements, and expand their effective cognitive and developmental impact in their specialisations to foster innovation and excellence across the Arab world.

“Your theories on econometrics and financial analysis have become a reference for numerous institutions, markets, economies, and governments. Your studies inspire a new generation of skilled economists, both in the Arab world and globally, and you are a source of pride for everyone in the Arab world,” Al Gergawi added.

Professor Aït-Sahalia developed high-frequency econometric methods to analyse financial data, estimate volatility, forecast market trends, and evaluate risk. His techniques for addressing microstructure noise and capturing market dynamics have provided essential tools for asset pricing and financial decision-making.

With over 80 academic studies and two books, Professor Aït-Sahalia’s research introduced innovative methods for analysing financial data, and enhancing economic planning.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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ALGERIA / DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

EGYPT : NCE CEO Khaled Noby selected as impact maker for COP29 communications campaign

Khaled Noby, CEO of Nature Conservation Egypt (NCE), was selected as an impact maker for the COP29 Global Communications Campaign. This nomination recognizes NCE’s pioneering work in safeguarding biodiversity in Egypt.

NCE announced that Noby was selected on 19 November as one of the 50 impact makers in a global communications campaign launched by Nigar Arpadarai, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29.

The Impact Makers campaign seeks to amplify the voices of leaders significantly impacting how to address the climate crisis. Through his leadership, Noby has played a crucial role in shaping Egypt’s dialogue around nature conservation and renewable energy. His nomination is part of a more significant effort to ensure that global climate strategies include biodiversity conservation as a fundamental element of the transition to renewable energy.

NCE is dedicated to integrating biodiversity conservation into the renewable energy sector. It aims to balance the country’s growing energy needs with the urgent necessity of protecting its rich and diverse wildlife and biodiversity.

NCE is witnessing the ambitious expansion in renewable energy production in Egypt, driven by the growing domestic demand and the need to cut climate change emissions from fossil fuels. However, this transition to renewable energy production negatively impacts habitats and wildlife. Renewable energy infrastructure has been reported to cause significant fatalities in various wildlife forms, particularly migratory birds.

While most conservation efforts have focused on mitigating the impacts within wind farms, NCE has been paying attention to another significant threat that needs to be adequately acknowledged: bird collisions with overhead transmission lines (OHTLs).

Moreover, NCE has effectively advocated adding local biodiversity loss to national and international agendas. Nonmigratory wildlife faces equally severe threats from poorly planned renewable energy infrastructure, yet the lack of data on local species often diverts conservation efforts towards migratory wildlife. NCE has led a successful national effort to translocate the threatened native reptile, the Egyptian spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia), in collaboration with the Regional Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) and SafeSoar. Thirteen individuals of this endangered lizard species were safely translocated from the AMUNET Wind Farm site before construction, exemplifying effective conservation action.

“I am truly humbled to be recognized as an Impact Maker by the High-Level Champions team. This honour belongs equally to my dedicated colleagues at NCE, whose unwavering commitment to nature conservation in Egypt inspires me every day. This is a celebration of our collective efforts — I’m simply privileged to represent such a sincere and hardworking team,” said Noby.

“This recognition of Khaled Noby is very well deserved and reflects his commitment and dedication to advancing the conservation of nature in Egypt; it also represents the collective effort of the NCE team and their success, under the stewardship of Khaled, in becoming a leader in the conservation field in the Middle East and North Africa. Congratulations to Khaled, NCE, and Egypt for this recognition,” said Sherif Baha El Din, NCE board chairman.

Noby’s inclusion in the campaign places a spotlight on Egypt’s unique position at the intersection of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, highlighting how the country can serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges.

source/content: english.ahram.org.eg (headline edited)

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EGYPT

ALGERIA: Ahlam Mosteghanemi named Cultural Personality of the Year at SIBF 2024

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has named renowned Algerian author and novelist Ahlam Mosteghanemi as the ‘Cultural Personality of the Year’ for the 43rd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024) in recognition of her remarkable contribution to Arabic literature over five decades. Her novels have captivated readers across the Arab world, establishing her as one of the most influential voices in contemporary Arabic writing.

Ahlam Mosteghanemi is one of the most influential contemporary Arab authors, acclaimed for her ability to merge profound social commentary with pan-Arab themes. Her works critically explore the relationship between society and women while reflecting on pivotal historical events that have shaped modern Arab culture. The late Algerian President Ahmed Ben Bella famously described her as a ‘shining Algerian sun in Arabic literature,’ commending her dedication to the Arabic language and the nation’s rich history.

As part of SIBF’s annual programme, SBA selects a ‘Cultural Personality’ to showcase influential figures whose work has enriched both the Arab and global cultural landscapes, reflecting the authority’s commitment to honouring those who have made lasting contribution in fields such as literature, poetry, and philosophy. By highlighting these figures, SBA seeks to inspire future generations and reinforce the region’s cultural identity.

Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, emphasised that the annual selection of a cultural personality reflects the vision of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. “His Highness believes that people are at the heart of every achievement, particularly in knowledge, culture, and thought. These are the domains where nations’ experiences are preserved, thanks to the literary and intellectual contributions of individuals whose works have been a staple in homes and libraries worldwide.”

In 2009, she published Nessyane.com and Their Hearts with Us and Their Bombs on Us, addressing the US invasion of Iraq, followed by Al Aswad Yalikou Biki in 2012. Her voice, marked by themes of freedom and authenticity, has deeply resonated with Arab readers.

He added: “Ahlam Mosteghanemi holds a unique place in Arabic literature. Her novels resonate with readers of all ages and intellectual backgrounds across the Arab world, a rare achievement for any author. By celebrating her journey and other remarkable literary experiences, we expand the horizons of Arabic literature, strengthen the relationship between societies and their creative leaders, and contribute to elevating the quality of published content.”

A thoughtful presence

Spanning more than five decades, Mosteghanemi’s literary career began with In the Harbour of Days (1971) and continues with her latest work, I Became You. Her celebrated trilogy – Zakirat Al Jasad (1993), Fawda el Hawas (1997), and Aber Sareer (2003) – remains a landmark in contemporary Arabic literature. In 2009, she published Nessyane.com and Their Hearts with Us and Their Bombs on Us, addressing the US invasion of Iraq, followed by Al Aswad Yalikou Biki in 2012. Her voice, marked by themes of freedom and authenticity, has deeply resonated with Arab readers.

Throughout her illustrious career, Mosteghanemi has earned numerous accolades, including the Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature and the Best Arabic Writer award during the Beirut International Award Festival (BIAF). Arabian Business and Forbes have recognised her as one of the most influential Arab women in literature and culture.

Additionally, Mosteghanemi served as a UNESCO Ambassador for eight years and was awarded the 2015 Arab Woman of the Year Award in London under the patronage of the Mayor of London and Regent’s University. In 2009, she received the Beirut Shield.

Mosteghanemi earned her doctorate in sociology from the Sorbonne University in 1982 before moving to Lebanon in the early 1990s. There, she published Zakirat Al Jasad, a novel that significantly impacted the literary world. The book sold over three million copies and was awarded the Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature in 1998. It is also recognised as one of the top 100 Arabic novels of the 20th century.

source/content: gulftoday.ae (headline edited)

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Ahlam Mosteghanemi poses for a photograph. File photo

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ALGERIA

ARAB : Extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit opens in Riyadh to discuss Israeli wars in Gaza, Lebanon

Saudi crown prince calls for Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

An extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit kicked off in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Monday to discuss Israel’s ongoing wars in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.

“We reiterate our rejection of the genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people,” Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said in an opening speech at the summit.

He stressed the need to continue efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state on the lands of 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The crown prince also condemned Israeli attempts to prevent the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) from delivering aid to Gaza.

Bin Salman said that his country rejects any threat to the security and sovereignty of Lebanon.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, for his part, called on the Arab and Islamic countries to show the highest levels of solidarity with the Palestinian people.

He also demanded the implementation of a UN resolution to halt Israeli assaults on Gaza and to secure the delivery of humanitarian aid into the enclave.

More than 50 leaders of Arab and Islamic countries are taking part in the summit, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

source/content: aa.com.tr / ahmedasmar (headline edited)

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ARAB / SAUDI ARABIA

Awards of 7th El-Gouna Film Festival: Golden Star goes to Ghost Trail, on Syrian refugee in France

The 7th El-Gouna Film Festival ended with the awards announced during the closing ceremony on 1 November.

El-Gouna Golden Star award went to Ghost Trail, a thriller about a Syrian refugee in France. Check all awards below.

International competition

El-Gouna Golden Star award for best narrative film
Ghost Trail (France) by ​Jonathan Millet

The film follows Hamid, who “joins a secret group tracking Syrian regime leaders on the run. His mission takes him to France, pursuing his former torturer for a fateful confrontation,” reads the synopsis on IMDb.

El-Gouna Silver Star 
The Kingdom (France) by Julien Colonna

El-Gouna Bronze Star
Girls Will be Girls (India) by Shuchi Talati won the Fipresci Award.

Best actor
Adam Bessa for his performance in Ghost Trail (France) by ​Jonathan Millet

Best actress
Laura Weissmahr for her performance in Salve Maria (Spain) by Mar Coll

Best Arab narrative feature – shared award
– Thank You For Banking With Us! (Palestine) by Laila Abbas
– Who Do I Belong To (Tunisia) by Meryam Joobeur

Jury special mention
Actor Charles Peccia Galletto for his performance in My Everything by Anne-Sophie Bailly

Documentary competition

El-Gouna Golden Star
We Are Inside (Lebanon) by Farah Kassem

El-Gouna Silver Star
Soundtrack To A Coup d’Etat (Belgium) by Johan Grimonprez

El-Gouna Bronze Star
​A New Kind Of Wilderness (Norway) by Silje Evensmo Jacobsen

Best Arab documentary feature – shared award
– ​The Brink Of Dreams (Egypt) by Nada Riyadh and Ayman El Amir
– My Memory Is Full Of Ghosts (Syria) by Anas Zawahri

Other awards

Fipresci award
Girls Will be Girls (India) by Shuchi Talati Cinema for Humanity award
Disorder (Lebanon) by Lucien Bourjeily, Bane Fakih, Wissam Charaf, and Areej Mahmoud. 

The NetPac award
We Are Inside (Lebanon) by Farah Kassem

El Gouna Green Star award
The Battle For Laikipia (Kenya) by Peter Murimi and Daphne Matziaraki 

source/content: english.ahram.org.eg (headline edited)

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ARAB / EGYPT

MOROCCO Adds Eight 8 Elements to Islamic World Heritage List

Morocco has a total of 54 registered intangible cultural heritage elements on the ISESCO list.

The Islamic Heritage Committee, part of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), has approved the inclusion of eight intangible cultural heritage elements on behalf of Morocco.

According to a statement by the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, the newly added elements encompass the artistry of crafting bead jewelry, the weaving of Figuig’s hayek and burnous, traditional tanning techniques, Mata’s equestrian art, Safi pottery, Attalbi, Aouad d’Ait Baamrane songs and dances, and the traditional Ssig game.

This recognition celebrates Morocco’s rich tradition of skilled craftsmanship in the creation of bead jewelry.

The hayek and bernous are traditional Moroccan garments worn by women. They are especially worn in the country’s oriental region, notably in Figuig.

The traditional tanning process in Morocco, known as “Dbagha,” describes the centuries-old art of tanning animal hides, which has been practiced since the Almohad dynasty in the 12th century.

Meanwhile, Mata’s equestrian art showcases a blend of horsemanship and cultural expression.

Also on the list is the pottery tradition of the Moroccan coastal city of Safi, known for its intricate and colorful pottery art.

ISESCO also recognized Aouad d’Ait Baamrane’s songs and dances, which bring to life the rhythm and melodies of Amazigh culture.

Meanwhile, the traditional Ssig game, which is widely popular in Morocco’s southern regions, is a key part of Morocco’s culture that has endured through time.

With this latest inclusion that took place in the ISESCO committee’s 11th meeting in Rabat, Morocco now leads Muslim countries. The North African country boasts a total of 54 registered intangible cultural heritage elements on the ISESCO list.

During the meeting, the Committee also elected a new executive board for a four-year term, with Saudi Arabia assuming the presidency, Jordan as vice president, and Senegal as the rapporteur.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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Sahraoui women playing Ssig game

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MOROCCO

MOROCCO : Rabat is UNESCO World Book Capital for 2026

The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, announced the designation of Rabat (Morocco) as World Book Capital for 2026, based on the recommendation of the World Book Capital Advisory Committee.

“ 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.

UNESCO Director-General

Audrey AzoulayUNESCO Director-General

With 54 publishing houses, the third largest international book and publishing fair in Africa and a growing number of bookstores, Rabat’s book industry is not only a vital part of the city’s creative economy but also at the forefront of democratizing knowledge. 

UNESCO and the World Book Capital Advisory Committee have recognized Rabat for its clear commitment to literary development, the empowerment of women and youth through reading and the fight against illiteracy, especially among underserved communities.

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.

The year of celebrations will start on 23 April 2026, on World Book and Copyright Day.

About the world book capitals

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.

As the twenty-sixth city to bear the title since 2001, Rabat follows Madrid (2001), Alexandria (2002), New Delhi (2003), Antwerp (2004), Montreal (2005), Turin (2006), Bogota (2007), Amsterdam (2008), Beirut (2009), Ljubljana (2010), Buenos Aires (2011), Erevan (2012), Bangkok (2013), Port Harcourt (2014), Incheon (2015), Wroclaw (2016), Conakry (2017), Athens (2018), Sharjah, (2019), Kuala Lumpur (2020), Tbilisi (2021), Guadalajara (2022), Accra (2023), Strasbourg (2024) and Rio de Janeiro (2025).

The UNESCO World Book Capital Advisory Committee comprises representatives of European and International Booksellers Federation (EIBF), the International Authors Forum (IAF), the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA), the International Publishers Association (IPA), and UNESCO.

More about

UNESCO’s World Book and Copyright Day

About UNESCO

With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.

“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed” – UNESCO Constitution, 1945.

More information: www.unesco.org

source/content: unesco.org (headline edited)

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Shutterstock.com / auralaura

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MOROCCO