Egypt’s Ministry of Culture will launch the "One Million Books" initiative at the 56th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair, held from 23 January to 5 February.
The initiative aims to give away one million books to Egyptians of all ages, covering various subjects like history, science, and art, said Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Hano during a press conference.
"This initiative is part of our vision to enhance Egypt’s soft power and build future generations equipped to face present and future challenges,” Hano said during the event.
Additionally, it "represents a significant step towards disseminating knowledge and enriching Egyptian society with rich cultural and intellectual content,” he continued.
According to Hano, books will be distributed to schools, universities, and youth centers.
Other human development organizations, including the Ministry of Education and Technical Education, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Social Solidarity, Al-Azhar University, the Egyptian Church, and the Journalists' Syndicate, will have their share.
Meanwhile, the books will be distributed during a cultural celebration at the Cairo International Book Fair after being sorted and prepared for each entity.
Various publishing sectors, including the National Center for Translation, the General Authority for Cultural Palaces, the Cultural Development Fund, the General Egyptian Book Organization, the National Library and Archives, and the Supreme Council of Culture, participated in implementing this initiative.
Also, the first-ever podcast recorded at the Book Fair will be launched in partnership with the National Media Authority.
During the presser, Hano unveiled that 1,345 publishers and official entities from Egypt, the Arab world, and abroad, representing 80 countries, are participating in this year's fair, along with 6,150 exhibitors, underscoring the strength and global stature of the exhibition.
This year, Oman will be the exhibition’s guest of honor.
Source: Al-Ahram Online
