The Role of Literature in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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“Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.”- Maya Angelou. World Book and Copyright Day observed annually on April 23 is celebrated in more than 100 countries and serves as a meaningful reminder of the value of books and the written word. The day encourages young people to explore the world of literature, nurtures the creativity of future writers and promotes the importance of reading in personal and academic spheres. On this day, the three major stakeholders in the book industry, publishers, booksellers and libraries unite to organize various events to promote book reading. Unfortunately, in many parts of the world reading a book can be considered a dying activity. With the advent of the digital age many books are now in electronic forms, however, a significant number of our children do not read. As a result, the significance of this day is not as potent as it should be. April 23 is significant because of the anniversary of the death of several renowned authors, including William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. Interestingly, selected cities undertake to promote books and reading for all age groups and across all sectors of society, in the host country and beyond. To date, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated 25 World Book Capitals, from Madrid, Spain, in 2001, to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2025. This year, the Brazilian city is implementing a project that underlines how books can bring about social change for example, through literacy, education and poverty eradication and create sustainable economic benefits. The theme for World Book and Copyright Day 2025 is ‘The role of literature in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).’ The theme focuses on the vital role of literature in advancing the SDGs. It emphasizes how literature can inspire action and awareness across key global issues such as poverty, hunger, inequality, and more. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 universal goals adopted by all UN member states in 2015 to address global challenges and achieve a more sustainable future by 2030. These goals are designed to be interconnected and cover a wide range of issues, including poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, climate action, and environmental protection. World Book and Copyright Day was formally established by UNESCO during its General Conference in Paris in 1995, in recognition of the profound influence books and authors have on individuals and societies. Ways to Celebrate World Book and Copyright Day. Dive into a Good Book: One of the most common ways to celebrate this day is by simply reading. Whether you are reading a brand-new novel or revisiting a cherished classic, reading offers a chance to escape, explore new worlds, and gain fresh perspectives. Reading also assists to improve one’s writing and vocabulary building skills. Reading aloud to children adds a personal touch, nurturing their imagination and planting the seeds of a lifelong reading habit. You can also consider joining a book club to discuss stories, share opinions and discover new titles through conversations with other members. Support Authors and Independent Publishers: Give back to the literary community by supporting authors and local bookstores. Purchasing books from independent sellers helps sustain diverse voices and community-driven businesses. You might also attend author signings, literary festivals, or online book events to learn more about writers’ journeys and inspirations. Donating your old books to libraries, schools, or reading circles is another meaningful way to spread the joy of reading, especially to those who may not have easy access to books. Promote Literacy in Creative Ways: Celebrate the magic of books through art and interaction. Decorate your space or classroom with quotes or visuals from your favourite stories. Organize a reading challenge for your friends, students, or family to inspire consistent and fun engagement with books. Hosting a virtual book chat or sharing thoughtful reviews on social media platforms can also help build a wider community of readers and spark engaging discussions. Raise Awareness About Copyright: Use the day to learn about and promote the importance of copyright in protecting creative works. Understanding how these laws function helps readers respect intellectual property and supports the rights of authors, illustrators and publishers. If you are a creator, consider using Creative Commons licences to share your work while allowing others to engage with it responsibly. Engaging in discussions around copyright can also help promote fair use and encourage innovation within legal boundaries. Additionally, such an important day should be observed by Ministries of Education globally in order to inspire reading among their pupils. Books allow us to step out of our own shoes and comfort zones and into somebody else’s. Books have the power to shape ideas and create movements. Sadly, reading is no longer viewed as a fun activity for many students. On this World Book and Copyright Day let us all rediscover the joy and fun of reading. Let us inspire the next generation to see reading as informative and fun building. Let us also encourage our men to read to their children and read in public spaces. Our boys need to see men read. Reading is gender neutral. Let us use literature as a framework for sustainable development. In the words of Toni Morrison, if there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #WorldBookandCopyrightDay

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