Morocco’s capital is using its UNESCO designation to promote literacy, support publishing and bring books into more community spaces.
Rabat, Morocco’s capital, holds UNESCO’s World Book Capital title for 2026, with a programme focused on widening access to books and encouraging reading across different communities.
UNESCO announced the designation on 8 October 2024, recognising the city’s commitment to literary development, empowering women and young people through reading, and addressing illiteracy among underserved groups.
The recognition builds on an established literary sector. In its announcement, UNESCO highlighted Rabat’s 54 publishing houses, growing network of bookshops and major international publishing fair as foundations for expanding access to knowledge.
The programme’s ambitions extend beyond traditional literary venues. According to details reported by the Ghana News Agency in April 2026, organisers planned 342 activities across 12 thematic areas, including efforts to bring reading into hospitals, rehabilitation centres, orphanages, public spaces and transport networks.
That approach gives the initiative a practical community focus. Bringing books into places people already use could help reach readers who face difficulties visiting a library, bookshop or major cultural event.
UNESCO’s original announcement set 23 April 2026, World Book and Copyright Day, as the start of the celebration year. The subsequent programme announcement scheduled the official launch for 24 April. The International Publishing and Book Fair, planned for 1–10 May, was identified as a major part of the celebrations.
Rabat is the 26th city to receive the title since the initiative began in 2001. It follows Rio de Janeiro, the 2025 holder, and joins previous World Book Capitals including Kuala Lumpur, which held the designation in 2020. Selected cities undertake to promote books and reading through a year-long programme for different ages and communities.
For Rabat, the title offers an opportunity to connect international attention with everyday access. Supporting publishers helps stories reach an audience, while accessible reading activities can help more people discover those stories.
The lasting test will be what remains after the celebration year: stronger reading habits, wider participation and sustained opportunities for people to encounter books close to home.
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