Onshur Celebrates The Graduation Of Its First Publishing Cohort At Sharjah Conference

The Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund, known as Onshur, recently celebrated the graduation of its first cohort from the Launch Track training programme. This event was attended by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA). The initiative highlights Sharjah's dedication to fostering a knowledge-based economy and supporting new talent in publishing.

Onshur is a collaboration between SBA, the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA), and the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone). It honoured 20 participants who completed an intensive six-week training course. These individuals were chosen from over 140 applicants, showcasing their commitment and potential in the industry.

During the graduation ceremony at the 14th annual Sharjah Publishers Conference, Sheikha Bodour delivered an inspiring speech. She expressed her excitement for the future of publishing in the UAE. "Today marks an important milestone in our journey to build a resilient and forward-looking publishing sector in the UAE," she stated.

Sheikha Bodour continued, "Through the Onshur program, we’re empowering a new generation of publishers to lead with passion, adaptability, and vision. I am immensely proud of these graduates, whose dedication will help strengthen our industry and expand its horizons."

Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, praised Sheikha Bodour's role in advancing UAE's publishing sector. He congratulated Onshur's first cohort graduates, stating that their success is due to her visionary initiatives. "We take great pride in the continuous growth and resilience of the publishing sector in the UAE," he said.

Al Kous added that these efforts are positioning Sharjah as a hub for creative talent. He expressed confidence that this new generation will enrich both Sharjah's and UAE’s publishing landscapes significantly.

A Global Perspective

Iman Ben Chaibah, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets at SBA, commended Sheikha Bodour's vision for Onshur. "When Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qassimi first envisioned Onshur, the goal was clear: to build a program that nurtures, empowers, and sets a strong foundation for the next generation of publishers," she explained.

This initiative aims to elevate talents by providing essential tools and networks needed to excel in today's dynamic landscape. Ben Chaibah expressed confidence that these graduates will contribute significantly to publishing’s future.

Diverse Training Tracks

The Launch Track is supported by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI). It offers new publishers vital industry knowledge and networking opportunities. Meanwhile, established publishers can benefit from Scale Track to grow their operations further.

The Disrupt Track encourages innovation by introducing fresh models into publishing ecosystems. These tracks collectively aim to enhance skills across different levels within this field.

Insights from Industry Experts

The event concluded with panel discussions featuring key figures from Arab publishing circles. Topics included award-winning books' publication processes or acquiring copyrights alongside children's book production methods among others.

This conference provided invaluable insights into future trends while offering networking opportunities with leading professionals for attendees like recent graduates eager about making impactful contributions within their careers ahead.

With inputs from WAM