thesilkroadtoday
Rabat, Morocco | April 14–15, 2026
In a significant milestone for international cultural cooperation and the promotion of literature, Rabat, the capital of Morocco, is celebrating its designation as UNESCO World Book Capital for 2026. The year-long programme officially began on April 23, 2026, coinciding with World Book and Copyright Day, highlighting the essential role of books, reading, publishing, and cultural exchange in fostering dialogue among nations.
As part of this cultural momentum, the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco is inaugurating the House of Book Worlds on April 14–15, 2026. Established at the initiative of Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, the centre is conceived as a new space for literary dialogue, intellectual exchange, and international cooperation through books and the written word.
The opening ceremony and the accompanying conference brought together prominent figures from the international literary community, reflecting the growing importance of cross-cultural partnerships and the role of writers’ organisations in connecting literary traditions across geographical and linguistic boundaries.
Among the distinguished participants were Margarita Al, President of the World Organization of Writers (WOW) and Chair of the Literary Council of the World People’s Assembly; Bill NDI, President of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA); Wale Okediran, Secretary-General of PAWA, and Ashraf Aboul- Yazid, Secretary General, Congress of African Journalists (CAJ), Chief Editor of the Silk Road Today.
Their participation underscored the significance of cooperation between international and African literary institutions in advancing literature as a vehicle for cultural understanding and mutual respect.
Dr. Ashraf Aboul- Yazid’s presentation will have his book on the Nobel laureate (Naguib Mahfouz. The Narrator and the Artist), exploring the experiences of the iconic Egyptian artists to express Mahfouz works in a span of 6 decades.
The gathering provided an opportunity to explore the relationship between books, cultural identity, and international dialogue, while recognising the importance of creating platforms where writers, publishers, translators, researchers, and cultural institutions can exchange ideas and develop collaborative initiatives.
Rabat’s designation as World Book Capital 2026 offers Morocco an international platform to reinforce its commitment to literature and reading culture. The initiative also highlights the potential of books to bridge generations, preserve collective memory, and bring different societies into meaningful conversation.
The opening of the House of Book Worlds adds a new dimension to this vision by establishing a dedicated space for the exchange of literary and intellectual experiences. Its inauguration, alongside the activities associated with Rabat’s year as World Book Capital, reflects a broader aspiration to strengthen the international circulation of ideas and encourage lasting partnerships among cultural institutions.
The participation of leaders from the World Organization of Writers and the Pan African Writers Association further emphasises the importance of connecting African literary voices with the wider international literary landscape. Through such encounters, writers’ organisations can help expand opportunities for translation, publishing, literary events, and dialogue between cultures.
As Rabat takes centre stage in the international literary calendar, the House of Book Worlds stands as a symbol of the enduring power of books to unite people, open new intellectual horizons, and build bridges between nations.
