Today, leading voices from international organizations across the publishing and book sector come together to launch the statement “Belonging Matters — For Our Sector, Our Societies, and the Stories We Share.”
The statement emphasizes that belonging is central to advancing the exchange of ideas, promoting democratic values, and supporting the free flow of information worldwide. By embedding inclusion at the heart of publishing and books, the sector seeks to ensure that all participants can contribute meaningfully, while readers can access stories and knowledge from diverse perspectives.
The signatories hope that this statement can serve as a call for the entire publishing and book ecosystem to stand firm against divisiveness and to cultivate a culture of belonging that reflects the rich diversity of our global community.
The initiative is supported by International Publishers Association (IPA), International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), Frankfurt Book Fair, PEN International, European and International Booksellers Federation (EIBF), reflecting a shared vision of a publishing ecosystem that champions inclusion, protects freedom of expression, and fosters collaboration across borders.
The launch coincides with the first Belonging Summit, a high-level panel discussion, hosted at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair programming on the centre stage on Wednesday 15th October.
This initiative is welcomed by the United Nations with Mary Glenn, Chief of UN publications saying, “We welcome this call to action recognizing that belonging is at the heart of sustainable development and the 2030 agenda. It reminds us that development is not only about human progress, but also about creating a sustainable future that benefits both people and the planet. When we create inclusive spaces, we can nurture understanding and empower action. We have already seen this in action with the SDG Publishers Compact, where a shared sense of purpose has driven action in support of a more sustainable world.”
Arne Svingen, International Secretary of PEN International said: “Belonging thrives where right of freedom of expression is upheld and where every voice can be heard without fear. Today, the ability to exchange ideas is under threat with the silencing of writers and banning of books. These are not just acts of censorship but serve to undermine democratic foundations. As a sector, we must foster the feeling of belonging and protect, together, the rights for individuals to express, to read and to be heard”.
Giovanni Hoepli, Vice President, International Publishers Association said: “In an era where the core pillars of publishing freedom are under threat, our role as publishers is more vital than ever. Through accessible books, inclusive book clubs, and stories that reach everyone we can advance the Sustainable Development Goals, foster belonging, and nurture a culture of inclusion within our own publishing houses. Protecting the freedom to publish is also about empowering diverse voices and building a world where everyone has the right to read, share, and belong.”
Basarat Kazim, President, International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) said: “We are delighted that IBBY joins as a signatory to this crucial statement. At the heart of our mission is the belief that younger generations must grow up with stories that foster understanding through their reflection of belonging, diversity, and respect. As the citizens of tomorrow, their role is fundamental to building more empathetic and inclusive societies, and it is our shared responsibility to ensure they are seen and heard through the books they read.”
Fabian Paagman, EIBF President and CEO, Paagman Boekhandels said: At EIBF, we firmly believe that the freedom to read is fundamental to a thriving society. Every reader deserves access to diverse voices and ideas, and it is our responsibility to ensure that bookshops remain a space where everyone can explore, question, and belong.
Find the full statement in attachment below.