UNESCO says books play prominent part in battle for peace

In a message marking World Book and Copyright Day today, the head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said books were essential for the promotion of cultural diversity and played a prominent part in the battle for peace.

"Books are a powerful means of external projection and can become an important factor in material well-being," Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura said. "We must therefore work unceasingly to ensure the success of the industry on which their existence depends."

Noting that books offered, now more than ever, an irreplaceable medium of information, critical reflection and education, he said: "Books and copyright, as driving forces for the creativity of every people, play a prominent part in the battle for peace."