The Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro has been selected by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, as World Book Capital 2025 in recognition of its literary and artistic traditions.

This is the first time that a Portuguese-speaking city has been nominated by the advisory committee in charge of the initiative. Accra, Ghana, became the World Book Capital in 2023. Next year, the turn will come to Strasbourg in France.

Cities proclaimed World Book Capitals by UNESCO undertake to promote literature for all ages and social groups, both within and outside their borders, and to organise a programme of activities for the year.

The celebrations and activities will be launched on 23 April 2025, World Book and Copyright Day, as reported by TV CULTURA, a partner of TV BRICS.

“Books are an essential means of spreading education, science, culture and information throughout the world,” said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO.

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