Today marked the opening of the 29th edition of the International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL-2024), a major literary and cultural gathering in Morocco.

Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch presided over the inauguration ceremony, which drew a large crowd of dignitaries, politicians, media, and cultural leaders, among them Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication.

Bensaid stressed in a news release that the SIEL is a chance for all residents to explore new cultural frontiers as well as a celebration of books and reading.

Noting that participants record considerable book sales and gain prominence each edition, he emphasised the fair’s economic and social impact in addition to its essential role in the publishing and cultural industries.

Bensaid also mentioned the several regional, national, and international cultural festivals that take place throughout the kingdom and expressed gratitude for the ongoing assistance his department provides for books and reading.

As the Honoured Guest, UNESCOEric Falt, the Director of the UNESCO Regional Bureau for the Maghreb, expressed his delight at being invited as the honored guest of this edition of the SIEL. He mentioned Morocco’s connections to UNESCO and the organization’s acknowledgement of its work.

Falt clarified that in addition to UNESCO World Heritage sites and biosphere reserves, guests will have the opportunity to investigate the diverse programmes and initiatives UNESCO has implemented in the areas of research, communication, and information.

He added that throughout the ten-day show, around 20 conferences with a focus on artificial intelligence and youth would be held in the UNESCO space.

This year’s SIEL, which is being hosted by the Ministry of Youth and runs until May 19 in collaboration with the Wilaya of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, the region of Rabat-Salé-Kenitra, and the City of Rabat, will feature 743 exhibitors from 48 countries, with UNESCO serving as the honoured guest.

The SIEL’s cultural programme, which features a broad array of events showcasing writers, intellectuals, and artists from Morocco and beyond, validates Morocco’s standing as a nation that fosters cross-cultural communication and exchanges.

A total of 241 cultural activities will take place during the fair, including conferences on diverse topics such as Africa’s diversity, profiles and images, gendered writing, media and technology, with the participation of a variety of Moroccan and international writers, intellectuals, and poets.