Message from Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of the World Book and Copyright Day: 23 April 2009

Since 1996, the World Book and Copyright Day, celebrated on 23 April, has been a unique opportunity for us to reflect together on new issues relating to the book, viewed concomitantly as an industry, an art, and an essential tool in ensuring quality education for all.

The Day may be placed within the context of the United Nations Literacy Decade (2003-2012), the theme of which is "Literacy as Freedom", thus calling to mind the emancipatory effect of books. Such linkages are of the essence, especially if the book is to be a major medium for teaching men and women, as well as the most marginalized social groups, to read and write at a time when one adult in five worldwide can do neither.

The book, an instrument of knowledge and a means of sharing, must further each person’s education, fulfilment and empowerment. It thus contributes to enjoyment of the universal right to education and to effective participation by each individual in social, political and cultural life.

Furthermore, having only recently celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we must stress that books are of no avail if we do not guarantee their free circulation. Concern over the "free flow of ideas by word and image", enshrined in UNESCO’s Constitution, must be kept alive so that we can continue to promote universal access to books. As you can see, it is both our understanding of genuine quality education for all, and respect for the universality of human rights and fundamental freedom for all; that are at stake in issues relating to the book and its circulation.

On the occasion of the 14th World Book and Copyright Day, I therefore solemnly call on all countries and on UNESCO’s partners and friends to join us in common reflection on the place of the book in our educational and cultural policies and on its contribution to the emergence of creative diversity that is deemed more useful than ever.

Koïchiro Matsuura

• 20-04-2009