Sheikha Badour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Advisory Committee for "Sharjah World Book Capital for 2019", affirmed that the passion for books and reading unites all of humanity today in the face of the spread of Corona virus (Covid-19) the new, and that this epidemic reminded the world that it faces a common destiny and not He has nothing but to uphold great values ​​and cling to hope and supplication.

Sheikha Badour Al Qasimi explained the central vision that led the achievements of Sharjah in the coronation of the world’s book capital, saying: “Besides our passion for the book, the greatest credit for the success of this year is due to the continuous support and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah Since 40 years ago, most of his interest and focus was on developing culture, and this is what led us to establish Sharjah's position on the global cultural map. His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah managed to lead a distinguished cultural project at the level of the region and the world, so we will remain grateful to him forever. ”

This came during the closing ceremony of the celebrations of Sharjah, the global capital of the book for 2019, the highest cultural title, which was held through video recording (remote) and was transmitted on local, Arab and international TV stations and social media, which recorded a large follow-up ratio of officials and diplomats, along with Writers, intellectuals and artists from different countries of the world.

Delivery

Sheikha Badour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, during the ceremony, which witnessed the presentation of a documentary film on the Sharjah march during the title year and its cultural achievements and her presence in various book events in the world, delivered the banner of the World Book Capital to the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur (remote), to assume the title in 2020- 2021, the initiative's initiative launched by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) aims to honor the efforts of global cultural cities, emphasize the role of writing and knowledge in achieving sustainable development, and inculcate the values ​​of human and global tolerance.

Establishing wisdom

In her speech, Sheikha Badour Al Qasimi said: «There is no doubt that books have the ability to establish wisdom and renew human creativity, and when we chose to (open a book .. open minds) as a slogan for the activities celebrating Sharjah, the global capital of the book for 2019, the world had not faced this pandemic After, we chose this slogan because we believe in the book as a bridge for communication between us, and that the main focus of our discourse in Sharjah is (read .. break the barriers that separate people), and we want the book to deepen our relations with others, and to extend bridges of communication to understand the other correctly and get to know him Close".

Sheikha Badour Al Qasimi added: “The slogan (open a book ... open minds) was our way to encourage communication between different members of society, regardless of who you are, regardless of the language you speak, you will find in Sharjah a book or cultural and knowledge activity that suits you without exception. Over the past year, the Sharjah schedule has been filled with cultural activities that revolve around book and reading, which are essentially aimed at everyone. ”

Sustainable strategy

Sheikha Badour Al Qasimi continued: “Most of you have noticed that social media platforms are now filled with countless publications, from all over the world, including suggested book titles for reading, as a way to spend time and advance awareness and thought during this difficult period of quarantine. In Sharjah, these efforts fill our hearts with hope, and remind us that our sustainable strategy for cultivating the love of book and reading is the best way to build stronger societies, because humans through challenges need to adhere to greater values ​​of moving forward. ”

In her speech, Sheikha Baddour Al Qasimi congratulated the Malaysian capital on winning the title, and thanked the institutions and cooperating parties that supported Sharjah's efforts during the title year, and said: “Kuala Lumpur is now opening a new chapter in the chapters of (World Book Capital). To our brothers in Malaysia, I congratulate you on choosing Kuala Lumpur to hold the title of World Book Capital for 2020-2021; you deserve it very well. ”

Sheikha Badour Al Qasimi concluded her speech by saying: "Our success this year is not only the result of hard work and dedication in Sharjah, but also thanks to the support of many of our friends and partners from all over the world."

1000 events

During the year of the year, the emirate organized more than 1000 activities that brought together theater, cinema and art, and celebrated the major symbols of local, Arab and international literature, and constructed a memorial to crown the emirate and title, while transforming the beaches of Sharjah into libraries frequented by tourists and members of the local community, and began construction of the modern library project « House of Wisdom »to be a permanent platform for exchanging culture and opening horizons of dialogue with different civilizations of the world.

A prominent role

The International Committee of the International Book Capitals at UNESCO, “Sharjah, the World Book Capital for 2019”, came in recognition of its prominent role in supporting the book and promoting the culture of reading, as the celebration of the title was launched on April 23 last year with a show that is the largest of its kind in the region titled “One Thousand and One Nights” The final chapter.

Achievements

The ceremony witnessed a review of the accomplishments achieved by Sharjah during the title year, where the "Sharjah World Capital of the Book for 2019" put six axes for cultural events, in which it adopted the approach to all groups of society, and achieving the principle of sustainability as an effective engine in achieving fundamental results to advance the reality of creativity and the manufacture of local knowledge And Arabic and international, as well as expanding the scope of cultural effort to include writers, publishers, translators and readers.