IPA Congress 2026 Puts Children’s Books and Literacy in Focus

IPA Congress 2026 highlighted the role of children’s books, quality storytelling and global collaboration in building stronger reading cultures and addressing the literacy gap.
on Jul 10, 2026

Better Access, Reading Cultures, and Quality Content: Global Publishing Leaders Demand Improvement

The 35th Congress of the International Publishers Association took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and featured dedicated sessions on issues of cross-cultural storytelling, reading practices, legacy publishing, and the gap in world literacy.

The two-day event, which ended on July 7, put at the center of attention one of the key concerns of publishers from all around the world – despite the fact that today children have more formats and more content available to them than ever, many lack access to books and reading culture.

Children’s Reading Patterns Are Evolving, Not Vanishing

At the event about cross-cultural storytelling, the heads of the publishing industry spoke about how children’s reading tastes were changing together with the world around them, education they received and exposure to digital media.

The debate challenged the prevalent idea that children just stop finding reading appealing due to the shortened attention spans. The speakers claimed that children keep reading books they find relevant and enjoyable enough.

What is important for children is not only to get entertained but also to learn new cultures, places, and ideas. Books allow children to cope with isolation, become empathic and find the sense of belonging.

Formats Can Increase Accessibility of Content

Technological advancements were highlighted both as an advantage and as a necessity for children’s publishers. Instead of seeing digital books as a danger to reading, the experts emphasized that such formats can enhance accessibility, especially of books designed for special-needs children.

The problem here is not whether the book is printed or digital; it is whether the book contains good enough content that can engage the interest of the child.

Cross-border collaboration is important for strengthening children's publishing

The congress emphasized the importance of collaboration on an international level. The publishers should collaborate with each other, exchange their ideas and learn from each other's culture.

Cross-border collaboration will bring about innovations in the book production, will help in making the publishing industry diverse and relevant. The speakers also highlighted the need of strong government support to promote reading and library facilities.

In other words, children's publishing must not be perceived solely in terms of its commercial interests. It also has an important role in the development of informed and empathic future citizens.

Legacy Publishers Continue to Focus on Children

Another panel looked at the future role of legacy publishers for children, with Gallimard Jeunesse stressing the significance of the backlist, illustrations, creativity, and editorial work.

Indeed, legacy books still constitute an important share of the publisher's portfolio, which proves that good children's books have a universal appeal and can stay topical regardless of generations. On the other hand, the publisher also plans to expand the young adult imprint to cover the issues and identities of current teens.

One more aspect discussed was the role of AI in publishing. The technology is currently used in marketing and promotional activities, while editorial processes should always be based on human expertise.

Global Literacy Gap Needs to be Addressed Urgently

The Congress was concluded with a general talk on literacy and access to books. The speakers pointed out that there are hundreds of millions of children and youth who do not have enough access to books either in print form or digital forms.

This is most prevalent in refugee camps, in isolated places, or where internet connections are not available. Here, books may become an option beyond the educational purpose, but can also provide imagination, hope, and help youth imagine their future.

However, speakers indicated that simply increasing the number of books will not end the literacy problem. It is the reading culture that makes lifetime readers.

Purpose of Publishing Transcends Sales of Books

The most significant lesson learned from the discussions held with children during the Congress 2026 of the International Publishers Association is that publishers have duties that go beyond mere expansion. Through publishing high-quality books, promoting diversity, improving accessibility, and creating reading culture, the industry can significantly contribute to solving the worldwide literacy problem.

To children and youth, one book can mean the world of knowledge, empathy, and opportunity.