Sharjah UNESCO Cooperation Strengthened As Ruler Receives UNESCO Director-General
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi met Dr Khaled El Enany, Director-General of UNESCO, at Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre in University City. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation between UNESCO and Sharjah in education, science and culture, reflecting the wider efforts of the UAE to support knowledge-based development and safeguard cultural heritage for future generations.
H.H. Sheikh Sultan welcomed Dr Khaled El Enany and wished success in carrying out UNESCO responsibilities. H.H. Sheikh Sultan underlined UNESCO’s international mandate in backing programmes in education, scientific research and cultural initiatives, and noted its role in strengthening projects that link these sectors with sustainable and social development across different regions.
The meeting reviewed ways to activate existing and new joint projects between UNESCO and Sharjah. These initiatives include cultural and scientific programmes, knowledge exchange, and efforts to protect global cultural and civilisational heritage. Participants discussed how such cooperation supports the UAE’s wider strategy to preserve heritage, promote cultural understanding and encourage scientific progress as core elements of a better future.
H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah highlighted the long-standing partnership between UNESCO and the emirate in many cultural fields. H.H. Sheikh Sultan praised the support given to Sharjah’s programmes through diverse events and activities. H.H. Sheikh Sultan also reaffirmed Sharjah’s ongoing commitment to cultural and educational work in Arab and international arenas, and the importance of culture and education in strengthening identity and belonging among younger generations.
H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi attended the meeting in the capacity of Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture. The presence of H.H. Sheikha Bodour reflected the focus on books, reading and knowledge as central tools for social development and for linking regional cultural activity with UNESCO frameworks.
The discussions also included views on knowledge communication tools that link communities, encourage dialogue and support inclusive access to culture and science. Officials underlined that exchanging expertise between Sharjah institutions and UNESCO can help align projects with international standards while reflecting regional priorities relevant to the Middle East and the broader Arab world.
The meeting was attended by Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture; Ali Al Haj Al Ali, UAE Representative to UNESCO; and several officials. Their participation showed institutional backing from the UAE for ongoing cooperation with UNESCO and confirmed the shared focus on education, culture and heritage as essential pillars for long-term societal development.
With inputs from WAM
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