Preparations are well underway for the International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL), scheduled for May 10 to 19, 2024 in Rabat, OLM Souissi space. According to the organizers, this year it will honor the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
743 exhibitors including 290 direct and 453 indirect, representing a total of 48 countries, are invited to take part in the 29th edition of the International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL), scheduled for May 10 to 19, 2024, at the Espace OLM Souissi in Rabat. In detail, this cultural event, eagerly awaited by publishing and book professionals, will be marked, according to the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, by the presentation of “a rich documentary collection which exceeds 100,000 titles covering the various fields of thought and literature. It will, in fact, honor the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
“This choice is on the one hand the expression of the privileged links which unite Morocco and UNESCO and on the other hand reflects our country’s adherence to the universal human values supported by the Organization,” explains the same Source. And added: “This celebration is also recognition of its commitment to literature, education, cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue. The general theme developed for this edition is “Together with our differences”. In this sense, the Organization will offer a rich program in its space including more than twenty interventions in the agora and a variety of current topics will be addressed. Among these, the promotion of literary creation, the role of women in decision-making, sport as a vector of education and sustainable development, the impact of literature in times of conflict and peace, artificial intelligence, safeguarding Moroccan cultural heritage and others.
241 cultural activities on the program
Like previous editions, the cultural program offers a wide choice of activities which bring together Moroccan and foreign authors, thinkers and creators, and thus confirms Morocco’s vocation as a country of meetings, dialogue and cultural exchanges. According to the organizers, 241 cultural activities will punctuate the days of the show, a rich and diverse program including conferences, interviews, presentations of new titles. Tribute ceremonies will honor certain eminent figures of Moroccan literature. Furthermore, the children’s area is not left out.
Supervised by a specialized team of facilitators, it offers artistic and scientific workshops opening the world of books and reading to young people. According to the organizers, this edition introduces a new space dedicated to superheroes. This will offer workshops which will be led by renowned illustrators and celebrities from the world of comics, Marvel and DC Comics. The book industry and its perspectives are at the heart of the debates and exchanges which will animate this edition, through meetings dedicated to professionals in the field which will focus on current themes. The same Source underlines “the importance of the partnership between the Ministry of Culture, the regional council of Rabat, the wilaya of Rabat and the other actors involved in the organization of this flagship event of the Moroccan cultural season”.
