Sharjah: H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi has been named UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture, in recognition of her global efforts to promote publishing and educational development.
According to Emirates News Agency, as President of the American University of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, H.H. Sheikha Bodour has long championed access to knowledge, creative expression, and education as pillars of sustainable progress. She expressed her honor at joining UNESCO's mission, emphasizing that promoting literacy, education, and access to culture is a necessity in today's changing world.
H.H. Sheikha Bodour is recognized as one of the most influential figures in the global publishing industry. She made history as the first Arab woman to serve as President of the International Publishers Association (IPA), where she led global dialogue on inclusivity, freedom to publish, and equitable access to knowledge.
As the Founder and CEO of Kalimat Group, she has shaped the modern book industry in the UAE and the Arab world. She established several key institutions, including the Emirates Publishers Association, the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), and Knowledge Without Borders, all dedicated to nurturing a culture of reading and literacy.
In her role as Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, H.H. Sheikha Bodour oversees the Sharjah International Book Fair, one of the largest and most celebrated literary events worldwide. Under her leadership, Sharjah's publishing sector has expanded its international reach, serving as Guest of Honour at leading global book fairs.
H.H. Sheikha Bodour also chaired the Sharjah World Book Capital 2019 Committee, leading a cultural program that transformed the emirate into a global hub for books and creative dialogue. The initiative culminated in the launch of the House of Wisdom, a library and cultural center dedicated to fostering knowledge exchange and innovation.
She played a central role in the UAE's accession to the Marrakesh Treaty, ensuring better access to books for persons with visual impairments, and supported the restoration of Beirut's public libraries following the 2020 port explosion.
H.H. Sheikha Bodour is also the Founder of PublisHer, a global platform uniting over 1,000 women professionals in publishing to promote gender equality, inclusion, and diversity across creative industries. In recognition of her contributions, the University of Leicester awarded her the title of Honorary Professor for her work in advancing women's empowerment and child literacy.
Her appointment as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture reaffirms her vision focused on books and education as the foundation of inclusive, creative, and knowledge-based societies.