Completed applications – including a letter of support from the mayor of the candidate city – drafted in either English or French, should be submitted to UNESCO no later than 15 March 2018. Applications received after this date will not be considered.

The World Book Capital programme entails organizing and overseeing a large number of events to bring together the local and national book industries, civil society and local government to promote books, reading and literacy. It is a powerful platform for attracting sponsorship and funding for book-related institutions, for raising awareness of literacy and reading issues, for highlighting the benefits of a lively book culture and for drawing international attention to a city and country's literary heritage.

The World Book Capital application timeline

Phase 1: Call for Applications
15 September N-3 Launch of call for applications
15 March N-2 Deadline for receipt of the applications by UNESCO

Phase 2: Evaluation
30 March N-2 First round of selections
15 April N-2 External and internal consultative evaluation process
Submission of a list of three candidates to the Director-General of UNESCO

Phase 3: Notification of results