International Publishers Association President Addresses Lisbon's Book 2.0 Conference on Reading and Democracy

What's Happening?

The Book 2.0 conference in Lisbon, Portugal, is set to take place on September 3 and 4, focusing on the future of reading and the reinvention of books. The event, organized by the Portuguese Publishers and Booksellers Association, aims to promote reading and literacy in Portugal. Gvantsa Jobava, President of the International Publishers Association, will deliver a keynote address, emphasizing the role of books in shaping democratic societies. The conference will feature 35 talks and over 40 speakers, discussing themes such as artificial intelligence, digital acceleration, and ecological urgency. The event seeks to address Portugal's low reading habits despite advances in education and publishing.

Why It's Important?

The Book 2.0 conference highlights the critical role of reading and literacy in fostering democratic values and societal development. By focusing on the reinvention of books and reading, the event aims to address challenges posed by technological advancements and ecological concerns. The conference's emphasis on international cooperation and cultural policy priorities underscores the importance of books in education and critical thinking. The involvement of the International Publishers Association and its president, Gvantsa Jobava, brings attention to the global significance of publishing in promoting freedom and democracy.

What's Next?

The Portuguese Publishers and Booksellers Association plans to internationalize the Book 2.0 conference, expanding its reach to other countries and cultural centers. This initiative aims to strengthen international cooperation in the publishing sector and position reading as a shared cultural policy priority across Europe. The conference will continue to explore emerging trends and challenges in the publishing industry, offering diverse perspectives and fostering dialogue among stakeholders.

Beyond the Headlines

The conference's focus on artificial intelligence and digital acceleration raises ethical and legal questions about the use of copyrighted content by AI platforms. Gvantsa Jobava's address may highlight the need for transparency and licensing agreements with tech companies to protect publishers' rights. The event also reflects broader cultural shifts towards valuing books and reading as essential components of education and societal well-being.