In the picturesque town of Zouk Mikael, nestled along the shores of Lebanon, the last days of May brought a special event that grouped literature lovers, culture enthusiasts and community members alike. The Braderie du Livre, an annual book fair organized by the Maison des Jeunes et de la Culture that is part of the municipality of Zouk Mikael, in collaboration with Institut Français Jounieh and the UN Information Centre (UNIC) in Beirut, transformed the town square into a vibrant celebration of words, ideas, and creativity.
Organized on May 30, 31 and June 1, the Braderie du Livre shed light this year on people suffering from Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to spread awareness about this issue. In addition to hosting booths showcasing a diverse array of books, the 3-day event included panel discussions, interactive games and entertaining activities for kids and adults.
At a specially designated booth for UNIC Beirut, visitors had the opportunity to learn more about the UN’s support to Lebanon, as well as the SDGs and the organization’s global efforts to promote literacy, education, and cultural diversity. Informational materials and displays highlighted the UN's commitment to supporting initiatives like the Braderie du Livre that foster a love of reading, knowledge sharing, and cross-cultural understanding.
Among the crowd, representatives from UNIC Beirut moved through the fair, engaging with attendees about the UN’s history in Lebanon, the support it provides the country and its people and highlighted the importance of SDGs in uniting people from all walks of life.
The visit by school children was remarkable as the fair buzzed with their energy. UNIC handed children a bag that included a copy of the UN Charter and the Declaration of Human Rights as well as other UN promotional material.
The Braderie du Livre event served as a testament to the transformative impact of literature and culture in bridging divides, fostering empathy, and building connections.
