Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid Inaugurates 3rd International Children and Youth Book Fair with UNICEF as Guest of Honor
Mehdi Bensaid, Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, inaugurated the third edition of the International Children and Youth Book Fair (SILEJ) on Saturday at Anfa Park in Casablanca. The fair runs until 16 November, with UNICEF serving as the guest of honor, reflecting Morocco’s commitment to promoting children’s right to reading and access to culture.
During the opening ceremony, the Minister was accompanied by Laura Bill, UNICEF’s new representative in Morocco, Idriss El Yazami, President of the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad, Jamal Al Shobaki, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Morocco, and Mohammed Salem Echarkaoui, Director General of the Bayt Mal Al Qods Acharif Agency, alongside several Moroccan officials. The delegation toured the exhibitors’ stands and spaces dedicated to educational activities for children.
A Strong International Presence
Over 340 exhibitors from more than 30 countries are participating in this edition. For eight days, visitors can attend book signings, meet authors, and take part in more than 18 professional workshops, including sessions on cultural content creation for social media and poetic writing techniques.
This year, the fair also honors the universal work The Little Prince, with the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Foundation for Youth featured as a special guest.
“Strengthening a love for books is strengthening our roots”
Minister Bensaid highlighted that the fair’s growth stems from the belief that instilling a love of reading in children and young people strengthens their connection to Moroccan history, heritage, and identity, while also supporting the development of cultural industries.
He added that the Ministry encourages Moroccan publishers to release more youth-oriented works, ensuring affordability while remaining open to collaboration with Arab and international publishers. The Minister expressed confidence in public engagement for this third edition, particularly through activities designed to renew young people’s interest in printed books despite the rise of digital and audio formats.
UNICEF, a Natural Partner
On the choice of UNICEF as guest of honor, Bensaid emphasized that the organization is “an essential international partner whose mission includes safeguarding children’s rights, among which is access to reading.”
Laura Bill noted that UNICEF’s participation aligns with World Children’s Day on 20 November, adding that “books and reading provide a privileged means to raise children’s awareness of their rights and encourage their active participation.”
Throughout the fair, UNICEF will host an interactive space featuring creative workshops, dialogue sessions with children, and an educational game allowing young visitors to explore their knowledge of children’s rights in an engaging way.
Translated from Abderrazzak Boussaid’s French article – le7tv
