In Africa, Lawrence Njagi, Chairman of the African Publishers Network, issued a statement underlining the value of reading for imagination, empathy, knowledge, and lifelong learning. He also shed light on the barriers that continue to limit access to books and reading opportunities in Africa, calling on publishers and governments to support access to affordable and relevant books, and empower African writers and publishers through training, funding, and fair copyright protection. You can read the full statement here. 

In Europe, the European Writers’ Council (EWC) highlighted the importance of the human author, as books are the product of the creative and artistic works of human writers and poets. According to EWC: “The writer provides the framework of human imagination itself, conceptionalises the collective, puts the contemporary into perspective and provides the first step in the materialisation of our shared imaginarium. The writer glues community into collectives and helps put ourselves in each other’s shoes. Through the writer as mediator, the world tells itself its own story.” The statement also called for the strengthening of infrastructure, cultural resilience and collaboration as means to empower citizenry and heighten the shared sense of democracy. You can read the full statement here. 

To raise awareness about the dangers posed by AI to the copyright framework, the European Parliament published a video on Facebook and called for respect of intellectual property rights. You can access the video here. 

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy of the European Commission, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to a digital environment where creativity is valued and protected. She stated: “I had the opportunity to discuss these issues last week at the European Parliament and to reaffirm that EU copyright rules protect our creators, support innovation and investment in new works, and promote access to knowledge. They strengthen cultural diversity and ensure that creative content reaches consumers and businesses fairly, legally, and across borders.” You can read the full statement here. 

In Germany, the Authors’ Rights Initiative brought attention to the need for a regulation of generative AI based on European standards. They have noted the unauthorized and uncompensated use of the works and performances of creators and performing artists. Matthias Hornschuh, spokesperson for the Authors’ Rights Initiative, composer, and journalist, commented: “The cultural, creative, and media sectors—and creators in particular—are the driving force behind social change; they are an indispensable prerequisite for European innovation and thus a vital component of the national economy. Given its lack of oil, rare earths, and cheap labor, Europe should turn its attention to its creative minds.” You can read the full statement here. 

The Sustainable Development Goals Resource Centre also commemorated World Book and Copyright Day and drew attention to the instrumental role of literature in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to the SDG Resource Centre, the connection between the World Book and Copyright Day with the SDGs can be seen through: 

  • SDG 4: Quality Education – The observance supports literacy, reading culture, and lifelong learning by encouraging wider access to books and educational materials. 
  • SDG 5: Gender Equality – World Book and Copyright Day can support equal access to learning, publishing, and literary visibility, including for women and girls, through inclusive reading and cultural initiatives. 
  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The day promotes broader access to books, reading, and cultural participation, helping reduce barriers to knowledge and expression. 
  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The observance highlights the role of books, copyright protection, and freedom of expression in informed and inclusive societies. 
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – UNESCO works with publishers, booksellers, libraries, and public institutions to advance the day’s goals and extend its global impact.

Finally, the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFRRO) also promoted the World Book and Copyright Day on its social media channels, promoting IFRRO’s work in developing healthy national publishing markets, as well as raising awareness of and respect for copyright, and contributing to a strong and diverse national culture.