SILEJ 2025: Opening of the 3rd International Children’s and Youth Book Fair
SILEJ 2025: The third edition of the International Children’s and Youth Book Fair (SILEJ) opened on Saturday at Park Anfa in Casablanca, with UNICEF serving as the guest of honor. Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this event is organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, in partnership with the Casablanca-Settat Regional Council, the Wilaya, and the Council of the Municipality of Casablanca. The fair will run until November 16, featuring a rich program dedicated to children and youth.
This edition offers a diverse range of resources, comprising over 45,000 titles across numerous genres and fields of creation. A total of 28 countries are represented through 357 exhibitors—86 direct and 271 indirect—highlighting the international scope of this cultural gathering. UNICEF’s presence as the guest of honor underscores the close collaboration between Morocco and this global organization in promoting children’s rights and well-being, particularly regarding their access to knowledge.
A thematic 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 conveys.
In a statement to the press, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, stated that SILEJ serves as an essential platform for enhancing reading among young generations and promoting Moroccan literature both 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 increasing initiatives to enrich the availability of children’s books and make them 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 regard, he called for strengthening local libraries and bookstores to broaden access to culture.
On her part, Laura Bill, UNICEF Representative in Morocco, expressed her honor in participating in this edition as the guest of honor. She noted that this involvement aligns with preparations for Universal Children’s Day, celebrated on November 20. According to her, books and reading remain preferred means to raise public awareness of children’s rights. She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to continuing advocacy efforts and encouraging youth involvement in this initiative.
The cultural program of SILEJ brings together Moroccan and international researchers, authors, and creators specialized in children’s literature. Workshops dedicated to comic books, cultural content creation, and literary writing are also offered. Eight spaces comprising 17 activity poles host enjoyable and educational workshops aimed at young audiences, fostering their creativity, curiosity, and innovative spirit.
With over 80 cultural meetings 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 Casablanca’s cultural offerings and placing youth and culture at the heart of public policy.
