World Book and Copyright Day are celebrated on April 23 every year to promote the joy of reading. April 23 is symbolic for world literature as it is a tribute to iconic writers like Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare, who died on this date.
"This date was a natural choice for UNESCO's General Conference, held in Paris in 1995, to pay a worldwide tribute to books and authors on this date, encouraging everyone to access books," the UN agency has said.
UNESCO, in its message on World Book Day. 2022, said that there is an even greater need to cherish Books symbols of hope in uncertain times.
"Books have long embodied the human capacity to conjure up worlds, both real and imagined, giving voice to the diversity of human experience," it added. "They help us share ideas, obtain information, and inspire admiration for different cultures, enabling far-reaching forms of dialogue between people across space and time."
The agency added that stories are an "incredibly effective" tool for the education of younger generations.
"For this reason, every year, on 23 April – a date that marks the departure of three great authors of universal literature, Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega -- we celebrate their captivating power to spark innovation, generate knowledge and change minds," UNESCO said, “By championing books and copyright, UNESCO stands up for creativity, diversity and equal access to knowledge, with the work across the board – from the Creative Cities of Literature network to promoting literacy and mobile learning and advancing Open Access to scientific knowledge and educational resources,” a statement on the UNESCO World Book Day website read.
It further added: “With the active involvement of all stakeholders: authors, publishers, teachers, librarians, public and private institutions, humanitarian NGOs and the mass media, and all those who feel motivated to work together in this world celebration of books and authors, World Book and Copyright Day has become a platform to rally together millions of people all around the world.”
Source: Google