NEWS

Belonging Matters — A Call to Action
for the Publishing and Book Sector

On October 17, 2025, 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 sector 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 and book sector ecosystem that champions inclusion, protects freedom of expression, and fosters collaboration across borders.

The launch coincided 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.

The full statement:
Belonging Matters—For Our Sector, Our Societies, and the Stories We Share

In a time of increasing polarization and rising mis and disinformation, the publishing and book sector must uphold its vital role in society. As stewards of knowledge, dialogue, and discovery, we know that healthy, thriving democracies need access to all voices, credible high-quality information, and free expression. At the heart of our work is the conviction that everyone, regardless of background or identity, deserves to belong.

Belonging is to be seen, heard, and respected in the stories we tell, the science that is created and the knowledge that is shared. When people feel welcome and empowered, it sparks new ideas, generates deeper insights and empathy that benefits not just books and publishing, but society as a whole. The publishing and book sector has a vital role to play in fostering a sense of belonging and we affirm our shared responsibility to:

• Protect freedom of expression, freedom to publish and the freedom to read as cornerstones of publishing and public discourse;

• Champion credible, trustworthy information, as the foundation for informed decision-making and democratic participation;

• Champion all voices and perspectives, recognizing that every story told enriches our collective understanding and empathy across all generations, especially younger readers;

• Create inclusive spaces and platforms, such as bookshops and libraries, where authors, researchers, editors, and readers can contribute their ideas and perspectives;

• Uphold integrity and equity in the way knowledge is created, shared, and preserved

EIBF, IFLA, IBBY, IPA, PEN International