Open Call: UNESCO World Book Capital Programme

Deadline: 07-Oct-2026

The UNESCO World Book Capital Programme designates one city each year to promote books, reading, literacy, storytelling, freedom of expression, and cultural diversity. The designation recognizes cities with strong, inclusive, and achievable strategies for creating a lasting culture of reading through a year-long programme of activities. What Is the UNESCO World Book Capital Programme? - The UNESCO World Book Capital Programme is an international initiative of that recognizes cities committed to promoting books, reading, literacy, and knowledge. - The programme was launched in 2001. - A selected city becomes UNESCO World Book Capital for one year. - The designated city implements a programme of activities designed to encourage reading, support literacy, promote storytelling, and strengthen participation in cultural and educational life. - The programme also encourages freedom of expression and respect for linguistic and cultural diversity. - The designation is intended to create benefits that continue beyond the official year of recognition. What Does UNESCO World Book Capital Mean? - UNESCO World Book Capital is a city designation rather than a financial prize. - The selected city serves as an international hub for books, reading, literature, literacy, storytelling, and related cultural activities during its designated year. - The programme provides an opportunity for cities to demonstrate how reading and access to knowledge can contribute to education, creativity, social inclusion, cultural development, and community participation. - Cities are expected to present a clear long-term strategy rather than relying only on one-time literary events. When Was the Programme Launched? - The UNESCO World Book Capital Programme was launched in 2001. - Since its creation, the programme has designated cities from different geographic regions. - Geographic balance is considered during the selection process so that the designation can represent diverse parts of the world over time. Who Is Eligible to Apply? - Cities in UNESCO Member States can apply for UNESCO World Book Capital designation. - Cities in UNESCO Associate Members may also be eligible to apply. - The application must be submitted by the city through the official application process. - The city should demonstrate a strong commitment to books, reading, literacy, education, culture, and public participation. - Applicants should be able to demonstrate both previous work and credible plans for the proposed World Book Capital year. What Does UNESCO Look for in an Applicant City? - A clear vision for promoting books and reading. - A realistic and achievable year-long programme. - Activities that reach different sections of the population. - Strong support for literacy and education. - Promotion of linguistic and cultural diversity. - Respect for freedom of expression. - Participation from libraries, schools, publishers, booksellers, writers, cultural organizations, and other relevant partners. - A sustainable strategy that can produce long-term benefits. - A realistic budget and implementation plan. - Clearly defined monitoring and evaluation methods. - Strong institutional and professional support for the application. Why Does UNESCO World Book Capital Matter? - The designation raises the international profile of the selected city. - It provides a platform for promoting reading and literacy at local and international levels. - It can strengthen cooperation between public institutions and the book sector. - It can encourage greater participation in libraries, literary events, educational programmes, and cultural activities. - It can support writers, publishers, booksellers, educators, librarians, and cultural organizations. - It can highlight linguistic and cultural diversity. - It can create opportunities for knowledge exchange between cities and international organizations. - Most importantly, the programme is designed to encourage lasting improvements rather than limiting the impact to a single year. What Activities Can a World Book Capital City Organize? - Reading campaigns and public reading initiatives. - Literacy programmes for children and adults. - Book fairs and literary festivals. - Author talks, workshops, and storytelling sessions. - Library-based programmes. - School and university reading initiatives. - Community literature projects. - Programmes supporting local languages and cultural traditions. - Activities encouraging access to books for underserved communities. - Digital reading and literary initiatives. - Programmes supporting writers and other book-sector professionals. - International cultural and literary exchanges. - Projects that promote freedom of expression and access to knowledge. How Does the UNESCO World Book Capital Selection Process Work? - Application submission: The applicant city submits a comprehensive online application describing its proposed vision, programme, partnerships, budget, and implementation strategy.

- Eligibility pre-screening: Applications are reviewed to determine whether they meet the basic eligibility requirements.

- External consultation: Eligible applications are considered through consultations involving an Advisory Committee representing key international organizations from the book sector.

- Assessment of proposals: The proposed programme, feasibility, partnerships, budget, long-term impact, and overall strategy are considered.

- Final designation: The Director-General of UNESCO makes the final designation.

- Programme implementation: The selected city prepares and delivers its year-long World Book Capital programme in cooperation with UNESCO and relevant partners.

- Reporting and evaluation: The city is expected to provide interim and final reports covering implementation and results.

How to Apply for UNESCO World Book Capital

Step 1: Develop a Clear Vision

- Define what the city wants to achieve through the World Book Capital programme. - Explain how books, read