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Cairo International Book Fair to Hit Record Number of Visitors

Visitors at the Cairo International Book Fair. (Photo: the official page of the Cairo Book Fair on Facebook)
Visitors at the Cairo International Book Fair. (Photo: the official page of the Cairo Book Fair on Facebook)
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Cairo International Book Fair to Hit Record Number of Visitors

Visitors at the Cairo International Book Fair. (Photo: the official page of the Cairo Book Fair on Facebook)
Visitors at the Cairo International Book Fair. (Photo: the official page of the Cairo Book Fair on Facebook)

The 55th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair is expected to hit a record number of visitors this year. Held at the Egypt International Exhibition Center, from January 25 to February 6, the event lured over 1.2 million visitors by Sunday.

Themed "We Create Knowledge, We Preserve the Word", the fair has hosted 1,200 publishers from 70 countries, and welcomed over one million visitors within its first days, a record compared to the previous years, according to a statement by the Egyptian Culture Ministry.

“The number of visitors reached 404,931 on the third day,” said Nevine el-Kilani, minister of Culture, noting in a statement that “this large audience indicates that this edition is exceptional and remarkable in the fair’s history.”

Dr. Ahmed Bahi El-Din, head of the General Egyptian Book Authority, stated that “the attendees of the fair were 404,931 within the three first days, and increased to 1,009,983 so far,” noting that “the visitors have taken part in many of the cultural and artistic activities included in the fair’s program.” On the fourth day, the Cairo International Book Fair hosted 254,190 visitors, according to a statement by the ministry of culture.

The past edition of the fair (2023) welcomed 3,609,395 visitors within 14 days.

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Saudi Arabia Announces Historic UNCCD Green Zone, Thematic Days to Accelerate Action on Land Degradation

Saudi Arabia Announces Historic UNCCD Green Zone, Thematic Days to Accelerate Action on Land Degradation
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Saudi Arabia Announces Historic UNCCD Green Zone, Thematic Days to Accelerate Action on Land Degradation

Saudi Arabia Announces Historic UNCCD Green Zone, Thematic Days to Accelerate Action on Land Degradation

The Presidency of COP16 Riyadh, which will be hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from December 2 to 13, has announced the establishment of a Green Zone and the organization of seven thematic days. This initiative marks a first in the history of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
For the first time, a UNCCD COP will feature a Green Zone and thematic days as part of Saudi Arabia's leadership under its incoming COP16 Presidency. This landmark program reflects the Kingdom's commitment to galvanizing global action to combat land degradation, drought, and desertification, SPA reported.
The Green Zone aims to raise global awareness about land degradation and to connect key decision-makers from the scientific, NGO, political, business, and at-risk communities. The goal is to develop and fund lasting solutions. Thematic days in both the Green and Blue Zones will address key issues, including agri-food systems and finance.
"Land degradation, desertification, and drought affect almost every corner of the planet and every living being on it, from species at risk of extinction to the livelihoods of those impacted by severe drought," said Deputy Minister for Environment at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Advisor to the UNCCD COP16 Presidency Dr. Osama Faqeeha.
"Saudi Arabia will host the first-ever UNCCD COP16 Green Zone to mobilize the international community and maximize the opportunity during December's conference to deliver lasting global change. Whether you wish to attend as a visitor engaging in critical conversations about land restoration or as an exhibitor showcasing innovation, I encourage people to register and be part of the solution," Dr. Faqeeha added.
The Green and Blue Zones will host seven thematic days designed to foster action and dialogue among key stakeholders. Land Day will spotlight land restoration initiatives and nature-based solutions. The Business for Land Forum will bring together global leaders to discuss the economic imperatives of sustainable land practices. Finance Day will address the financing gap in combating land degradation. A special ministerial dialogue will showcase innovation in Sustainable Land Management financing, tackling the challenge highlighted by the UN Environment Program: $7 trillion is invested annually in activities that harm nature, equivalent to 7 percent of global GDP. Governance Day will focus on improving women's land rights and addressing pressing policy issues surrounding land tenure and resource governance. Agri-Food Systems Day will explore food security, crop resilience, and sustainable farming practices. Resilience Day will address water scarcity, drought resilience, and early warning systems for sand and dust storms. People's Day will feature a youth caucus addressing the critical role of young people, a gender caucus, and discussions about increasing the participation of at-risk groups. According to UNCCD, one billion people under the age of 25 live in regions heavily dependent on land and natural resources for livelihoods.
Science, Technology, and Innovation Day will emphasize the role of science in land restoration and prevention of further degradation. This day will nurture long-term solutions, ensure synergies with climate and biodiversity fields, and address research and funding gaps.