The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, designated Vera Michalski-Hoffmann, CEO of the Libella publishing group, as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador on 14 October at a ceremony at the Organization’s Headquarters.

Vera Michalski-Hoffmann has been chosen in recognition of her commitment to the publishing profession, her support of literary creativity and reading, notably through the activities of the Jan Michalski Foundation, and for her dedication to the ideals of UNESCO.

Vera Michalski-Hoffmann and her late husband jan Michalski founded the Noir sur Blanc publishing company in 1987 to build bridges between the cultures and peoples of Europe, focusing on works in the French and Polish languages. Vera Michalski also created the Jan Michalski Foundation for writing and literature in 2004 in honour of her husband who died in 2002.

Based in Montricher, Switzerland, the Foundation supports literary creation and promotes the practice of reading by organizing exhibitions and cultural events. It also runs a large multilingual public library, awards an annual literary prize and provides residencies to authors.

As UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors, Vera Michalski-Hoffmann will support the Organization’s activities for the celebration of World Book and Copyright Day on 23 April 2017.