SILEJ 2025: Opening of the 3rd International Children’s and Youth Book Fair
SILEJ 2025: A Celebration of Children’s Literature in Casablanca
The third edition of the International Children’s and Youth Book Fair (SILEJ) launched on Saturday at the Park Anfa in Casablanca, with UNICEF as the honored guest. Organized under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this event is supported by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, in partnership with the Casablanca-Settat Regional Council, the Wilaya, and the Casablanca Commune Council. The fair will run until November 16, featuring a rich program dedicated to children and young people.
This edition showcases a varied documentary offering, consisting of over 45,000 titles spanning numerous genres and fields of creation. Notably, 28 countries are represented by 357 exhibitors—86 direct and 271 indirect—highlighting the international scope of this cultural gathering. UNICEF’s participation as the guest of honor underscores the close collaboration between Morocco and this global organization in promoting children’s rights and wellbeing, particularly their access to knowledge.
A themed space is also dedicated to “The Little Prince,” the iconic work by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, written during his time in the Moroccan Sahara. Visitors can explore the universe of the book, its author, and the universal values it embodies.
In a statement to the press, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, asserted that SILEJ serves as an essential platform to encourage reading among younger generations and promote Moroccan literature nationally and internationally. He emphasized the importance of familiarizing children with Morocco’s history, heritage, and intangible culture through reading.
The minister also highlighted the crucial role of Moroccan publishers, who are multiplying initiatives to enrich the children’s book market and make it more accessible to families. He noted that the development of reading is closely linked to the dynamics of cultural industries, which originate from writing and literary imagination. In this light, he called for strengthening libraries and local bookstores to facilitate broader access to culture.
On her part, Laura Bill, UNICEF Representative in Morocco, expressed her honor in participating as the guest of honor for this edition. She stated that this involvement is part of the preparations for World Children’s Day, celebrated on November 20. According to her, books and reading remain key tools for raising public awareness about children’s rights. She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to continuing advocacy efforts and encouraging youth involvement in this mission.
The cultural program of SILEJ brings together researchers, authors, and creators from Morocco and abroad, who specialize in children’s literature. Workshops dedicated to comic books, cultural content creation, and literary writing are also featured. Eight spaces, comprising 17 activity hubs, host playful and educational workshops aimed at a young audience, promoting their creativity, curiosity, and innovative spirit.
With over 80 cultural encounters and 1,363 planned activities, this edition aims to solidify SILEJ’s position as a major international cultural event. It reflects the Ministry’s commitment to enriching the cultural landscape of Casablanca and prioritizing youth and culture in public policies.
