UN Booth is Welcoming Visitors at the Tehran International Book Fair

UN’s participation in the Tehran International Book Fair is a unique opportunity not only to share with public some fresh UN publications and multimedia materials, but also to discuss UN values, agenda of UN Secretary-General and UN work in Iran, AVA Diplomatic reports.

“UN in Iran for the 15th year participates in the Tehran International Book Fair. This year the Book Fair is held at the Imam Khomeini Mossala (Prayer ground) from May 2nd till May 12th,” said Leila Joudane, UN Resident Coordinator a.i., UNFPA Representative in Iran.

“Please come to visit UN booth and talk to UN representatives, we are ready to answer all your questions and provide you with some information materials.  UN booth is located at 2nd floor of Shabestan international hall in front of the German Embassy,” she added.

This year the UN booth hosts Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UN Development Programme (UNDP), UN Population Fund (UNFPA), UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Industrial Organization (UNIDO), United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) and World Health Organization (WHO).

The UN Booth in the 31st Tehran International Book Fair

Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Abbas Salehi officially inaugurated the 31st Tehran International Book Fair on May 1st. Salehi called books the basis of culture and said: “Each nation that wants to begin a new movement within itself needs to begin with a book.”

“Iran enriched the world with its books: Iran is known through Ferdowsi’s “Shahnameh”, Rumi’s “Masnavi”, and “Divan” of Hafez. Books are regarded as the national treasuries of each state. The mines and oil wells will be exhausted one day but what will remain are books. Books are the cornerstone of the civilization,” he added.

The inaugural ceremony was also attended by Iranian officials, foreign guests and diplomats, media as well as major domestic and foreign writers and publishers.

“No, to Not Reading Books” is the slogan of this year’s Book Fair.

UN appreciates the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance with regards to the space, provided for the UN booth.