Promoting climate action and the SDGs at the world’s largest book fair in Frankfurt

Numerous national and international publishing houses present their new titles at the Frankfurt Book Fair which takes place from 18 – 23 October.

The Frankfurt Book Fair is the world’s largest trade fair for books, based on the number of publishing companies represented. It is the most important book fair in the world for international deals and trading. About 4000 exhibitors from 95 countries are registered.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier opened the fair on the evening of 18 October, together with Spain’s King Felipe VI. Spain is the host country this year and is presenting contemporary Spanish literature under the motto ‘Spilling Creativity’.

UN Publications, the source for over 5,000 titles produced by the UN and its key agencies is also present with its own stand in Hall 4.2/H24 and will launch its autumn/winter 2022-2023 catalogue. Visitors can discover a complete listing of recent releases and noteworthy titles.

UN Publications staff at the Frankfurt book fair

In addition, The UN Department of Global Communications/UNRIC will host two panel discussions on Saturday between 5:00 and 6:00 pm in the ‘Frankfurt Studio’, Hall 4.0, room Europe. Leading publishing experts, journalists and authors will discuss how young readers can support climate action and how publishers can contribute to mitigating climate change. Other topics will include two key UN initiatives for more sustainability: the SDG Book Club and the SDG Publishers Compact.

Numerous debates, lectures and readings this week focus on current political topics such as the Russian war against Ukraine or the situation in Iran and Afghanistan. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky participates in an online discussion on Thursday. The fair will end on Sunday with the awarding of the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade to Ukrainian writer Serhij Zhadan.

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