In the presence of Bodour Al Qasimi, President of the International Publishers Association

Sharjah hosts representatives of 16 cities awarded the title of "World Book Capital"

picture

In the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the International Publishers Association, the Emirate of Sharjah hosted;

Holding the title of World Book Capital for the year 2019, 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 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, which was announced On her choice to take 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. The participants discussed ways to enhance cooperation and exchange experiences and expertise among members, and mechanisms for consolidating the cities’ commitment to supporting writers and spreading the culture of reading, especially after the Corona pandemic, and the challenges faced by the publishing sector.

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi welcomed the guests and explained that Sharjah being awarded the 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 the title's events. .

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 impacts it leaves on the publishing industry, and said: “The Global Book Capitals Network will enable cities and future generations to exchange Insights and thoughts on the cultural legacy of this title.

For his part, Ian Dennison, Coordinator of the World Book Capitals Program, emphasized the role, priorities, and development projects of the member cities of the network, and said: “The world book capitals share a strong motivation for solidarity with cities seeking the title, and cooperation within the new network contributes. By helping other cities access 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.

On the sidelines of the meeting and the accompanying exhibition, the International Federation of Publishers celebrated its 125th anniversary.

Since 2001, the UNESCO World Book Capitals Advisory Committee, which includes the International Authors Forum, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, the International Federation of Publishers, and UNESCO, has overseen the selection of a World Book Capital each year, awarding the title to the city based on It is distinguished by providing integrated cultural activities and programs throughout the year to spread the culture of reading and support books that enhance community interaction. 

Follow our latest local and sports news and the latest political and economic developments via Google news