The International Authors Forum (IAF) plays an important role in advocating for the rights of authors around the world, including their rights to fair compensation for their work and protection of their copyright. On World Book and Copyright Day, the IAF highlights the importance of protecting the creative works of authors, which are the foundation of the publishing industry and the source of cultural enrichment for readers around the world.
World Book and Copyright Day is a celebration to promote the enjoyment of books and reading. Each year, on 23 April, celebrations take place all over the world to recognize the scope of books – a link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations and across cultures.
23 April is an important date in world literature, it is the date on which several prominent authors, William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega died. UNESCO chose this date at its 1995 General Conference in Paris in 1995, to pay world-wide recognition to books and authors on this date, acknowledging the contribution of authors around the world to culture and the importance of books to readers.
This year, UNESCO’s message will focus on Indigenous Languages. Authors who work in indigenous languages play an important role in keeping these languages alive. By creating in these languages, authors help to ensure that they continue to be read, spoken and passed down to future generations.
On this World Book and Copyright Day, let us recognize and celebrate the vital contributions of authors to our cultural heritage, and let us work together to ensure that their rights are protected and their work continues to inspire and enrich us all.