The President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, advocated for the importance of physical books in the digital age during the inauguration of the 21st Venezuela International Book Fair (FILVEN 2025), under the slogan «Reading Humanizes.» He emphasized that printed texts «should prevail in the hands of our children and young people» as an essential part of their educational and cultural development.
To encourage this habit, the head of state proposed the creation of a social mission dedicated to the «book revolution,» to promote reading in traditional formats. The initiative seeks to establish thousands of reading circles in schools, high schools, universities, and communities, facilitating mass access to printed works.
From the National Art Gallery and the Plaza de la Juventud (Youth Square), the president also highlighted the need for national writers to tour the country, interacting directly with readers. This strategy would not only enrich cultural debate but also strengthen the bond between authors and the public, especially among the younger generations.
He also proposed that this movement of writers promote a «reading revolution,» combining the dissemination of books with spaces for discussion and reflection. The idea is to transform reading into a tool for empowerment and critical thinking in Venezuelan society.
The proposal arises in a context where digital media dominates information consumption, but the Venezuelan government insists on reviving the pedagogical and sensorial value of physical books. President Maduro emphasized that this format encourages concentration and a profound enjoyment of literature.
With this initiative, Venezuela fulfills its commitment to position itself as one of the leading countries in the fight to rescue and defend print culture while balancing technological advances.