IFLA welcomes UNESCO’s decision to designate Rabat, Morocco as World Book Capital 2026. With a strong national library and wider library sector, there are rich possibilities for the year to support engagement in reading and creativity.

UNESCO’s World Book Capital programme has been running for over 20 years, building up a community of cities ready to be leaders in promoting books and reading as a key part of their wider development strategies.

Past holders of the title – including the current one, Strasbourg, France – have recognised that supporting and mobilising libraries is a key to success, and have made them central to their work.

As a member of the advisory committee for the programme, IFLA works with our partners there – the International Publishers Association, the European and International Booksellers Federation and the International Authors Forum – to review bids and recommend those that are best placed to achieve the programme’s goals.

We are therefore happy to see Rabat, the capital of Morocco, named as the holder of the title from 23 April 2026 until 22 April 2027. It will take up the title from Rio de Janeiro, which takes it on next April, with the official announcement made earlier this year.

Rabat’s bid builds on a strong history of books in the city, its vibrant library network and experience of running international book fairs. The bid makes a strong emphasis on building the habit of reading, as well as promoting innovation and drawing on international experience. In particular, libraries have been well involved in its preparation, and will be similarly engaged in delivery.

We look forward to working with Moroccan colleagues and the organisers to ensure that the potential of libraries to support the programme’s goals – as well as those of the City of Rabat – is fully realised.