World Book and Copyright Day
23 April
By celebrating this Day throughout the world, UNESCO seeks to promote reading, publishing and the protection of intellectual property through copyright.
Books and reading are as important today as ever. According to Milagros del Corral, Director of UNESCO's Division of Creativity, Cultural Industries and Copyright and Head of the Organization's Publishing Office, "Reading means establishing an interactive dialogue with the virtual universe created by the author of a text: a universe of intellectual representations that differ according to the imagination of each reader". Ms del Corral highlighted the persistent inequalities in reading saying: "There are books on all subjects, for all publics and for all times. But we must make sure that books are accessible to everybody everywhere".
IFLA would like to encourage you to celebrate this day with us.
For more information, please look at:
http://www.unesco.org/general/eng/events/book/book.html
Message of the Director-General of UNESCO on the occasion of World Book and Copyright Day
23 April 2003
The future of books and copyright is a question that concerns us all. It is not something that just can be left to specialists, political and economic decision-makers, authors, publishers and educators. It concerns all those who dream of a world in which knowledge is shared and the values of tolerance, solidarity and dialogue can flourish.
At a time of exponential growth of electronic and television networks, books are exceptionally useful instruments for the expression of cultural identity. The distribution of books is essential for the promotion of cultural diversity. Let us not forget, either, the key role played by translators, without whom intercultural dialogue through books would not be possible.
Books are a powerful means of external projection and can become an important factor in material well-being. We must therefore work unceasingly to ensure the success of the industry on which their existence depends.
Whatever form they may take, from the most traditional to the most innovative, books offer, now more than ever, an irreplaceable medium of information, critical reflection and education.
They are thus a basis for the edifice, constantly in need of consolidation, formed by democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms, essential facets of which are both protection of authors' rights and fair public access to their works.
A growing number of people, in all regions and all walks of life, are becoming increasingly aware of the major issues involved, and this affords me great satisfaction.
Books and copyright, as driving forces for the creativity of every people, play a prominent part in the battle for peace. I therefore hope that this Day will be marked by a large number of successful initiatives the world over.
