For the eighth year in a row, the UN Information Centre in Mexico City (UNIC) coordinated the participation of the UN Country Team at the International Book Fair of Palacio de Minería in Mexico City.
The book fair, which was held from 22 February to 2 March and was organised by the National University of Mexico (UNAM), has become one of the most important events on the region’s publishing calendar. It attracts over 130 000 visitors and receives wide media coverage.
The international book fair brings together more than 350 publishing houses. Renowned writers, scholars, politicians and other public figures participate in the book fair, which has also become a very relevant communications tool to reach out to varied audiences, including librarians, publishers, students, teachers, as well as children and parents.
UN participation has become one of the highlights of the yearly event. More than 20 000 people visited the ten UN stands and a growing number of UN agencies are showing interest in participating in future fairs. This year, UNIC Mexico City arranged for seven UN events, including lectures and book launches. The events covered a wide range of topics, such as refugees, gender, population, children and HIV/AIDS. Giving a lecture entitled “The UN in your life”, the UNIC's Director highlighted the importance of the work of the UN in the lives of people around the world.