16 cities awarded the title of "World Book Capital" hosted by Sharjah

Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi during the first meeting of the World Book Capitals Network in Sharjah.

From the source

Sharjah, which holds the title of World Book Capital for 2019, hosted a number of representatives of the world's cities bearing the title, which is awarded annually by UNESCO to one of the capitals of knowledge production in the world, in a meeting aimed at exchanging experiences between the cities that won the title and the candidate countries in the coming years.

The meeting, which was held at the House of Wisdom, the cultural edifice that was established to celebrate Sharjah’s title as the World Book Capital, was attended by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the International Publishers Association, a team of experts from the World Book Capitals Network, and 16 officials representing the winning capitals. , in addition to representatives from the Mexican city of Guadalajara, whose selection was announced for the title in 2022.

The meeting witnessed a discussion about the tasks undertaken by the World Book Capitals Network, and the goals that stem from it. challenges.

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi welcomed the guests, and explained that Sharjah's title of World Book Capital in 2019 strengthened its position as a cultural center at the global level, and had a positive role in developing the book industry and reading culture in the emirate and in the United Arab Emirates through a series of initiatives witnessed by events Title.

The President of the International Publishers Association stressed the advantages of obtaining the title and its positive and sustainable impact that will remain for the coming years, and the opportunity it provides to enhance social cohesion through books, in addition to consolidating cultural dialogue between nations and peoples.

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi expressed her happiness at hosting the first meeting of the World Book Capitals Network in Sharjah, calling on all the cities that won the title to cooperate and communicate, and enhance the benefits and positive effects it leaves on the publishing industry.

 She said: "The global network of book capitals will enable cities and future generations to exchange visions and ideas about the cultural legacy of this title."

In addition, the coordinator of the World Book Capitals Program, Ine Denison, stressed the role of member cities in the network, their priorities, and future development projects. Other cities have access to knowledge and best practices in this field.”

In conjunction with the meeting, the House of Wisdom hosted an exhibition to shed light on the cultural impact and literary legacy of the 22 world capitals of the book. The design is a symbol of knowledge and thought and the role of the written word in strengthening cultural ties.

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