UNESCO names Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture, recognising her global contributions to publishing and literacy.
SHARJAH: Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi has been officially appointed as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture, a prestigious honour recognising her pioneering efforts in promoting literacy, publishing, and equitable access to knowledge on a global scale.
The announcement was made on 28 October 2025, reflecting Her Highness’s longstanding leadership across the fields of education, publishing, and cultural development. As President of the American University of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, Sheikha Bodour has led several transformative initiatives aimed at making books and education accessible to all.
In her statement, Her Highness said: “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 role deepens her ongoing mission to widen access to learning and creative expression globally.
Sheikha Bodour has left an indelible mark on the publishing world. She became the first Arab woman to serve as President of the International Publishers Association (IPA) since its founding in 1896, where she led global dialogue on freedom to publish and inclusivity. She is also the Founder and CEO of Kalimat Group, one of the most prominent publishing houses in the Arab region.
Among her notable achievements are the founding of the Emirates Publishers Association, the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), and Knowledge Without Borders—organisations that have been instrumental in advancing reading culture across the UAE. As Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, she has expanded the reach of the Sharjah International Book Fair, making it one of the world’s largest literary events.
She also played a central role in Sharjah’s designation as UNESCO’s World Book Capital in 2019, leading a year-long celebration of literature and launching the House of Wisdom, a modern cultural and knowledge hub. Additionally, her advocacy helped the UAE join the Marrakesh Treaty, facilitating better book access for the visually impaired, and she supported the restoration of Beirut’s public libraries after the 2020 port explosion.
Through her platform PublisHer, Sheikha Bodour has united more than 1,000 women professionals in publishing, driving global conversations around gender equity in the creative industries.
Her UNESCO appointment reaffirms her commitment to building inclusive, knowledge-driven societies through books and education—values she has consistently upheld both locally and globally.
