*UNESCO has designated Medellín, Colombia, as the World Book Capital for 2027!* The city saw a 542% rise in bookstores over the past seven decades, leading the country’s national reading index. The designation follows the recommendation of the World Book Capital Advisory Committee, composed of booksellers, publishers and authors. Read the full press release: https://unes.co/4lyhh9

*Global water crisis aggravated by gender inequalities according to new UN Report* Despite decades of progress, inequalities continue to compromise global water security, disproportionally impacting women and girls, who despite of being the main collectors of water, continue to be excluded from water management and leadership roles. This is the conclusion of the United Nations World Water Development Report, published by UNESCO on behalf of UN-Water. The report reveals that women are responsible for collecting water in over 70% of unserved rural households. Read the full press release: https://unes.co/z8bk0x

In this month’s Snapshots, we focus on UNESCO’s commitment to fostering girls and women’s empowerment, and building more efficient, well-funded learning environments. See the difference a shared commitment with partners is making across Africa, in Palestine, in Indonesia, and beyond. Join us in advancing ideas that inspire smarter solutions and drive meaningful impact worldwide: https://www.unesco.org/en/brief/snapshot

*UNDER ANTARTICA EXPEDITION: the first kite-ski expedition supporting polar science* In this new episode of Tête-à-tête, glaciologist Dr. Heïdi Sevestre and explorer Matthieu Tordeur recount their expedition to Antarctica, sharing key scientific insights on the fragile cryosphere and its role in regulating our planet. On World Glaciers Day, their message resonates with urgency and hope. 🎥 Watch the full conversation: https://youtu.be/6LngZfhRInw