Bodour Al Qasimi Becomes UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador For Education And Book Culture

H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi has been appointed as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture. This honour acknowledges her global efforts in promoting publishing and educational development. As the President of the American University of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, she has consistently advocated for access to knowledge, creative expression, and education as essential components of sustainable progress.

H.H. Sheikha Bodour expressed her gratitude by stating, "I am honoured to join UNESCO’s mission as a Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture. Books shape minds, connect communities, and underpin resilient, knowledge-based societies. In a time of constant change, promoting literacy, education, and access to culture is not a luxury. It is a necessity." She further added that this role enhances her commitment to empowerment through books, education, and cultural engagement.

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As the Founder and CEO of Kalimat Group, H.H. Sheikha Bodour has significantly influenced the modern book industry in the UAE and the Arab world. Her initiatives include establishing key institutions such as the Emirates Publishers Association and Knowledge Without Borders. These organisations are dedicated to fostering a culture of reading and literacy across the region.

Her leadership extends to overseeing the Sharjah International Book Fair as Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority. This event has grown into one of the largest literary gatherings globally. Under her guidance, Sharjah's publishing sector has gained international prominence by participating as Guest of Honour at major book fairs in cities like Rabat, Seoul, London, and Frankfurt.

H.H. Sheikha Bodour made history by becoming the first Arab woman to serve as President of the International Publishers Association (IPA) since its inception in 1896. During her tenure, she led discussions on inclusivity, freedom to publish, and equitable access to knowledge worldwide.

She also played a pivotal role in the UAE's accession to the Marrakesh Treaty. This treaty ensures better access to books for individuals with visual impairments. Additionally, she supported efforts to restore Beirut’s public libraries after the 2020 port explosion.

A Legacy of Empowerment

The University of Leicester recognised H.H. Sheikha Bodour's contributions by awarding her an Honorary Professorship—the first in its history—for advancing women's empowerment and child literacy. Her appointment as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador reinforces her vision for inclusive societies built on books and education.

She also founded PublisHer—a global platform uniting over 1,000 women professionals in publishing—to promote gender equality across creative industries. This initiative underscores her dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion within these sectors.

As Chairperson of the Sharjah World Book Capital 2019 Committee, she led a year-long cultural programme that positioned Sharjah as a global hub for books and creative dialogue. The initiative culminated with launching the House of Wisdom—a library dedicated to knowledge exchange and innovation.

With inputs from WAM