Government Representatives and Members of the Diplomatic Corps Support the “Read for Humanity” Campaign
At the Expo 2027 Playground, within the International Belgrade Book Fair, the beginning of the “Read for Humanity” national campaign was marked today. The campaign, initiated by Expo 2027 doo Belgrade, aims to encourage the development of a reading culture while highlighting the connection between knowledge, creativity, and environmental responsibility. The event was attended by Professor Dr Dejan Vuk Stanković, Minister of Education, and Danilo Jerinić, CEO of Expo 2027 doo Belgrade, Expo 2027 project associates, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and numerous figures from Serbia’s cultural and educational life.
Inspired by the International Belgrade Book Fair and the belief that reading can transform both people and the world, the campaign reminds us that reading is one of the foundations of social progress and calls on citizens to contribute to the common good through their own example. For every 27 hours spent reading, one tree will be planted in the future Expo Park, which will remain as a lasting legacy of the Specialised Expo 2027 in Belgrade. With activities taking place simultaneously across multiple Serbian cities, the “Read for Humanity” campaign has acquired a national dimension, inviting citizens throughout the country to contribute directly to a greener future through reading.
Danilo Jerinić, CEO of EXPO 2027 doo Belgrade, emphasised that the campaign seeks to remind society of the essential value of reading in an era of rapid digital transformation:
“It is a particular pleasure that the Playground has had the honour to become a gathering place for this initiative, a space that, in a world constantly shifting and where our attention moves swiftly from one thing to another, reminds us of the value of perseverance, dedication, and coming together in a shared pursuit of knowledge, which is also the mission of the upcoming Expo 2027. The ‘Read for Humanity’ campaign carries a simple yet powerful message: every page read contributes to the growth of our society and leaves a visible mark: one more tree. For every 27 collective hours of reading, a tree will be planted in the future Expo Park, making the collective act of reading a tangible contribution to a greener future. Each of us holds one book, but together we hold an entire park. Let’s read for humanity, because every word we read plants a root that grows,” said Jerinić.
He reminded the visitors and readers that, alongside the official programme in the upcoming days between 12 PM and 8 PM, they will have the opportunity to read books from the personal collections of great figures of Serbian culture and science, such as Mihailo Petrović Alas and Ružica Sokić; attend numerous lectures and presentations of exceptionally valuable and rare books, including the monumental China Illustrata – one of the most important 17th-century European works on China; and, on the final day, learn more about the illumination of the Miroslav Gospel.
The Minister of Education, Prof. Dr Dejan Vuk Stanković, highlighted that, regardless of the process of digitalisation and technological development, books and reading should remain an integral part of our everyday lives.
“Reading is essential and represents a fundamental element of high-quality education. The Ministry of Education supports every initiative that promotes the importance of books and the written word. This campaign is most welcome, as it fosters creativity, inspires, and motivates action. The ‘Read for Humanity’ campaign is not only a call to return to books but also an opportunity to raise awareness – through its environmental component – of the importance of preserving the world we live in,” said Stanković.
He pointed out that one of the aims of education is to develop awareness of the significance of sustainable development, environmental protection and preservation, and ecological ethics.
“These topics are already addressed in schools through various subjects, as well as through curricular and extracurricular activities. The goal of our educational system is to equip pupils to use scientific and technological knowledge effectively and critically, but also to act responsibly towards the environment, and, in doing so, towards their own lives and the lives of others,” Stanković noted.
The Minister stated that the Ministry of Education wishes to work together with EXPO 2027 doo Belgrade to promote the values of reading, dialogue, and creativity, since these are the very foundations of every modern community. He also emphasised that the Expo 2027 project places Serbia on the world map, not only culturally, but in every other respect, as well.
The “Read for Humanity” campaign is part of the broader programme of preparations for the Specialised Expo 2027 in Belgrade, whose lasting legacy will be the Expo Park, a green oasis dedicated to innovation, culture, and sustainable development. By symbolically linking reading and tree planting, this initiative poses an important question: how ready are we, as a society, to nurture habits that require time, attention, and commitment in an age of rapid digital change, where reading itself has become a growing challenge?
EXPO 2027 doo Belgrade invites all lovers of the written word to visit the Expo 2027 Playground during the International Belgrade Book Fair, with free entrance, and, by reading outstanding works of Serbian and world literature, to contribute to this meaningful initiative through their own example. Just as the Expo 2027 Belgrade Theme is Play for Humanity, this initiative calls on us to read for humanity, leaving behind new roots of life and knowledge.
