In her speech, Jobava emphasized the IPA’s core principles of copyright protection and the freedom to publish. She also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and stressed the importance of literacy in nurturing free and democratic societies. She stated: “This international connection is vital. Not just from the very practical aspect of buying and selling rights to books but because the challenges our sector faces may appear domestically but are often international. It is also very political.”
The Thessaloniki International Book Fair, now in its 20th edition, recently concluded with significant cultural outreach and diversity efforts. The fair drew in 85,000 visitors, featured 850 exhibitors, showcasing a wide array of literary works, and hosted approximately 1,500 Greek and international writers.
Gvantsa Jobava’s participation in the fair underscored was also the opportunity to meet IPA’s Greek member, ENELVI, as well as the president of Northern Greece Publishers’ Association and to be able to relay their concerns to the Ministry of Culture.
One of the key themes of this year’s fair was diversity and promoting dialogue and understanding between different cultures, with the Sharjah Book Authority serving as the guest of honor. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chair of the Sharjah Book Authority and former IPA President, attended the Thessaloniki International Book Fair, representing PublisHer. In her opening statements, she said: “The publishing world is rich with stories, yet the women who help shape many of these narratives often don’t get to lead. This is a missed opportunity that’s hurting our industry. Diversity is about unlocking human creativity, because when everyone has a seat at the table, the narratives we create are richer, and our decisions more balanced and innovative.”