Cities of Literature highlight SDGs with social media campaign

As they do annually, several UNESCO Cities of Literature will raise awareness about the United Nations’ 2030 Strategic Development Goals with the social media campaign, “17 Books for the 17 SDGs.”

Each day, between Dec. 2 and 18, some UNESCO Cities of Literature will share book suggestions from their cities, using the hashtag #17Booksfor17SDGs (Note: French-speaking cities will use the hashtag #17livrespour17ODD) One of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will be highlighted each day, and relevant books tied to each participating city will be featured. These might be non-fiction titles that specifically address that day’s SDG or works of fiction or poetry that illuminate the theme.

Among the 53 UNESCO Cities of Literature that will participate are Dunedin, Exeter, Iowa City, Manchester, Melbourne, and Quebec City. Other Cities of Literature will share the selections to broaden the reach of the lists across the globe.

The project, initiated by Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature, seeks to draw attention to the SDGs and raise awareness through books and story. It also offers the chance to highlight the work of writers with ties to Cities of Literature.