Reading for the Future campaign aims to boost literacy while Young Voices initiative empowers young writers globally.
RABAT: Reading for the Future campaign has been launched by Bodour Al Qasimi in partnership with UNESCO, marking a major global push to strengthen youth literacy and promote reading as a foundation for inclusive societies.
Announced during celebrations for Rabat as World Book Capital 2026, the Reading for the Future campaign seeks to mobilise international efforts to address literacy challenges affecting millions of children and young people worldwide.
Alongside it, Bodour Al Qasimi also introduced the “Young Voices of World Book Capitals” initiative.
This global platform is designed to support emerging writers by giving them the opportunity to share their perspectives and contribute to shaping the future through literature. The initiative invites young people aged 18 to 30 to submit creative works, with selected entries published and showcased internationally.
The Reading for the Future campaign comes at a critical time.
Global data shows around 244 million children remain out of school, while nearly 70 per cent of children in low-income countries cannot read a basic text by the age of ten. The initiative aims to address these gaps through collaboration between educational institutions, cultural organisations and policymakers.
Speaking at the launch, Bodour Al Qasimi emphasised the deeper role of reading.
She highlighted that reading is not just about knowledge, but about building awareness and enabling individuals to actively shape their future. Writing, she noted, gives young people a voice, creativity and influence.
Officials from UNESCO also stressed that literature remains a powerful tool in addressing global challenges and inspiring future generations.
Through the Reading for the Future campaign, efforts will focus on strengthening literacy, supporting creativity and building a global network that connects cultures through knowledge and storytelling.
