As part of ongoing collaboration between UNICEF and Book City;

Specialized Workshop on “Children’s Rights and Business” Held in Collaboration with UNICEF Iran and Book City Academy

On Saturday, July 19, 2025, the Specialized Workshop on Children’s Rights and Business was held at Book City Central in collaboration with UNICEF Iran and the Book City Academy. The event brought together managers, supervisors, and sales personnel from the children’s and young adult sections of Book City bookstores, along with other stakeholders in the field. Also in attendance was Ms. Dorina Andriu-Gitariu, UNICEF Representative in Iran.

The goal of the workshop was to define the role of bookstores as cultural actors in promoting children’s rights and to explore ways to institutionalize these rights within bookstore environments. The event was part of a new phase in Book City’s activities in the field of children and young adults, a phase that focuses on enhancing cultural and social standards in interactions with young audiences.

At the start of the session, Ali Jafarabadi, CEO of Book City, expressed appreciation for UNICEF’s collaboration and emphasized the importance of a responsible view of childhood. “Childhood,” he said, “is an opportunity to understand and build the future.” He noted that the purpose of the workshop was to raise awareness among children’s section staff, stressing that “a children’s bookseller must know which word builds — or breaks — a child’s dignity.”

Jafarabadi also announced the unveiling of the “Sand Fox Award”, selected by young readers, and referred to Book City and UNICEF as natural partners in advancing children’s rights.

In the next segment of the program, the newly established “Sand Fox Award” was officially launched, with participation from UNICEF Iran officials, Book City representatives, and the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults (Kanoon). The award is officially supported by UNICEF Iran and Kanoon.

In the main session, Vahid Hedayati, UNICEF Social Policy Specialist, presented the core principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, identifying four key pillars: non-discrimination, the best interests of the child, the right to life, survival and development, and participation. Emphasizing the importance of translating these principles into tangible behaviors in public environments like bookstores, he highlighted the need for safe spaces, respect for differences, active participation, and informed choice — proposing practical approaches to implementing them.

In the closing section, Vida Montakhab, UNICEF Partnership Officer, introduced the principles of Children’s Rights and Business, sharing global experiences in this area. She underscored the importance of respecting ethical, social, and environmental standards in designing children’s experiences in service spaces such as bookstores. Participants then exchanged their own successful practices and innovations in advancing children’s rights and increasing their participation in decision-making.