UNESCO has announced that Rabat, the administrative capital of Morocco, has been designated World Book Capital for 2026, TASS reports with reference to the Maghreb Arabe Press agency.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay highlighted Rabat's special role as a cultural crossroads where books help to disseminate diverse knowledge and arts. She stressed the importance of Morocco's growing book industry in improving the educational sector.

Morocco’s Ministry of Culture, Youth and Communication welcomed the decision, calling Rabat a “city of light” and the country’s cultural capital. The ministry sees this recognition as an opportunity to strengthen the interaction between government and civil society to create an inclusive community of readers, especially among young people.

Within the framework of its status, Rabat will host a series of events aimed at increasing access to books, promoting reading and supporting local publishing houses. Morocco’s Ministry of Culture sees this as an opportunity to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and organize innovative events that promote intercultural dialogue through the universal language of books.

UNESCO, together with international organizations in the field of publishing and library services, has annually chosen the World Book Capital since 2001. This title is awarded for the best public programs related to books and reading. Rabat will continue the baton after Strasbourg (2024) and Rio de Janeiro (2025).