The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced on Tuesday that Conakry was picked as World Book Capital for 2017.

The Paris-based organization added that the decision by an international committee of experts was based on West Africa's "quality and diversity of its program, in particular its focus on community involvement" and "for its well-structured budget and clear development goals with a strong emphasis on youth and literacy."

"Books, learning and reading are key to human life. The strong investment of the Republic of Guinea in promoting books and literacy bears witness to a clear vision of culture and education as drivers of development and recovery," said Irina Bokova, UNESCO's director general, pledging more support for the country's efforts to improve education.

Conakry is the 17th city to be designated World Book Capital.