Under the high patronage of his Majesty the king Mohamed VI, Rabat held this 29 th edition opening ceremony by the presence of the Chief of Government Mr Aziz Akhennouch, the minister of youth culture and communication Mr Mehdi Bensaid, and this year’s guest of honor, UNESCO, on this day, 9th of May 2024.

Mr Mehdi Bensaid has held this official opening ceremony by welcoming personally every exhibitor, including this year’s guest of honor, UNESCO.

In recognition for its commitment to literature, cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, the International publishing book fair is hosting UNESCO as a guest of honor. A rich program is promised to the public, featuring more than twenty presentations, promoting literature,  creation, and the role of women in decision-making.

In his speech,Mr Eric Falt, Director of the UNESCO Office for the Maghreb is very proud to be present at the book fair as the guest of honor. He states “that the Rabat Book Fair keeps increasing in terms of popularity and it was especially important for us that we’re selected and we are grateful to the ministry of culture of Morocco”

Moreover, UNESCO published for this year’s edition, the first volume of the book series “Les Balades de Nour”, which is a set of stories for a young public dedicated to the discovery of the Moroccan cultural heritage. This heritage has been inscribed in the World heritage list of the UNESCO.