"Translation is the first step towards the rapprochement of peoples, and is also a decentralizing experience, teaching diversity and dialogue. Translation is one of the driving principles of our creative diversity, which enriches each language through contact with all the others," UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova said in a message on World Book and Copyright Day.
"(Books) are the best voices of tolerance. They provide the strongest signs of hope (and) are pillars for free and open societies," she said, adding that books must be protected and their wealth made available to the 800 million illiterate adults in the world.
World Book and Copyright Day is observed on April 23 because three literary greats died on that day in 1616 - William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.
The anniversary is based on the Catalan custom of exchanging books and roses on St. George's Day, 23rd of April. The decision to celebrate it was made at an UNESCO general conference in Paris in 1995.
"Book Night" will be held tonight in 45 Croatian towns with more than 150 authors, translators and editors participating. Book stores and libraries will offer a varied programme.
The central event will be a panel at the National and University Library in Zagreb, called "Books Close Up", on the position of books in contemporary society. A international public reading will also be held, at which diplomatic representatives, members of renowned international institutions and students will read selected literary texts in the original language and in Croatian. There will also be an exhibition on the 80th anniversary of the Index Translationum.