During their joint keynote session, Jobava and Nicky Parker from Amnesty International underscored the essential role of books as tools for identity formation, empathy, and access to knowledge. They emphasized that children’s right to read and to participate in cultural life is firmly grounded in international human rights frameworks.
The discussions addressed growing global challenges facing the publishing ecosystem, including censorship, ideological pressure, textbook nationalization, and increasing self censorship. In a separate roundtable discussion, participants explored the complex forces shaping children’s literature, including political contexts, religious influence, social norms, and market dynamics, as well as the role of adults as gatekeepers in defining what is considered appropriate.
Jobava also had the opportunity to meet students and discuss the freedom to publish, sector solidarity, translation, institutional responsibility, and practical examples from different national contexts.
Across all sessions, a clear message emerged. Defending intellectual freedom and ensuring access to diverse voices requires sustained collaboration among publishers, educators, and civil society. Practical tools, shared strategies, and collective responsibility remain essential to safeguarding the right to read.