In a statement released on Wednesday, Irina Bokova, UNESCO’s director, announced that Athens is the World Book Capital for 2018.
The honor of being named the World Book Capital of the year was bestowed on Athens for the exceptional quality of programs that promote reading and was made due to recommendations by the Advisory Committee, the statement explained.
The programs promoted by Athens range from events for writers, translators, illustrators, concerts, exhibitions as well as promotion of poetry via readings and workshops.
“The idea is that books are accessible to the entire population, including migrants and refugees. The wealth of the cultural infrastructure and the experience of this city in organizing international events were also highlighted by the Committee members,” the statement explained.
Athens is the 18th city to be named the World Book Capital by UNESCO and will now proceed to promote books and reading activities over the year starting in the spring with World Copyright Day on April 23.
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