The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has designated Medellín, Colombia, as the World Book Capital for 2027 following the remarkable 542 percent growth that the city has experienced in bookstores over the past 70 years, and leading the country’s reading index.
The designation, made following the recommendation of the World Book Capital Advisory Committee, which includes booksellers, publishers, and authors, highlights Medellín’s transformation into a global model of urban and cultural innovation, where books and libraries play a central role in promoting creativity, education, and social cohesion.
“Books tell more than stories; they inspire creativity and learning,” said Khaled El-Enany, UNESCO Director-General. “Medellín has become an international reference for urban and cultural transformation, where libraries and reading spaces drive positive social change. Its designation as World Book Capital 2027 shows how culture can foster peace and social cohesion,” he added.
As Colombia’s second-largest city, Medellín is home to over 110 bookstores and 25 libraries, many of which were converted from former prisons and police facilities. Once marked by conflict, the city now shines as a hub of cultural innovation, where books and libraries offer safe spaces for learning, dialogue, and resilience.
UNESCO and the World Book Capital Advisory Committee recognised Medellín for its strong commitment to cultural engagement and its ability to host major reading and literary initiatives. The city’s programmes promote books, creativity, education, and cultural diversity, with special attention to young people and vulnerable communities.
Medellín will be the twenty-seventh city to hold the World Book Capital title since 2001. The year-long celebrations will begin on April 23, 2027, World Book and Copyright Day, and will feature events designed to strengthen the city’s public policies on reading, writing, and storytelling.
Cities designated as UNESCO World Book Capitals commit to promoting reading for people of all ages and backgrounds, both locally and internationally, and to organising a year-long programme of activities that celebrate books, storytelling, and literary culture.
The World Book Capital Advisory Committee, which recommended Medellín, includes representatives from the European and International Booksellers Federation (EIBF), the International Authors Forum (IAF), the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA), the International Publishers Association (IPA), and UNESCO itself.
With 194 Member States, UNESCO contributes to peace and security through multilateral cooperation in education, science, culture, communication, and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and oversees more than 2,000 World Heritage sites, biosphere reserves, global geoparks, and a network of over 13,000 schools, universities, and research institutions.
As the twenty-seventh city to carry the title, Medellín joins a global network of World Book Capitals, following cities such as Madrid, Alexandria, New Delhi, Montreal, and Rio de Janeiro, continuing the legacy of using books and culture to inspire knowledge, dialogue, and social progress.
For more information, please visit https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-designates-medellin-world-book-capital-2027?hub=701.
