Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi Appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture

📷WAM

Riyadh, October 28 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi has been appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture, in recognition of her outstanding global contributions to publishing, literacy, and educational advancement.

As President of the American University of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, Sheikha Bodour has long championed access to knowledge, creative expression, and education as essential drivers of sustainable progress.

In a statement following her appointment, Sheikha Bodour said:

“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 added that the new role reflects her “long-standing commitment to empowerment through books, education, and cultural engagement,” expressing her intent to work closely with UNESCO in advancing these goals globally.

Sheikha Bodour is regarded as one of the most influential figures in international publishing. She made history as the first Arab woman to serve as President of the International Publishers Association (IPA) since its founding in 1896, leading global dialogue on freedom to publish, inclusivity, and equitable access to knowledge.

As Founder and CEO of Kalimat Group, one of the Arab world’s most respected publishing houses, Sheikha Bodour has played a central role in shaping the modern book industry in the UAE and the wider region. She established key cultural institutions including the Emirates Publishers Association, the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), and Knowledge Without Borders, each dedicated to nurturing literacy and reading culture.

In her capacity as Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, Sheikha Bodour oversees the Sharjah International Book Fair, one of the largest literary events in the world. Under her leadership, Sharjah’s publishing sector has expanded its international presence, becoming Guest of Honour at leading global book fairs in Rabat, Seoul, London, and Frankfurt.

She also chaired the Sharjah World Book Capital 2019 Committee, leading a year-long cultural programme that culminated in the opening of the House of Wisdom, an architectural and intellectual landmark promoting knowledge exchange and innovation.

Sheikha Bodour played a key role in the UAE’s accession to the Marrakesh Treaty, improving access to books for people with visual impairments, and supported the restoration of Beirut’s public libraries following the 2020 port explosion.

She is also the Founder of PublisHer, a global platform uniting over 1,000 women in publishing to promote gender equality, diversity, and inclusion across creative industries.

In recognition of her work in education and women’s empowerment, the University of Leicester awarded Sheikha Bodour the title of Honorary Professor, the first in its history.

Her appointment as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture reaffirms her vision of books and education as the foundation of inclusive, creative, and knowledge-based societies.