Bodour Al Qasimi named UNESCO Education, Book Culture Ambassador

Championing education and knowledge

As President of the American University of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, Her Highness has long championed access to knowledge, creative expression, and education as pillars of sustainable progress.

Statement on the role

Her Highness 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: “This role deepens my long-standing commitment to empowerment through books, education, and cultural engagement. I look forward to working with UNESCO to champion these values and help widen access to learning and creative expression globally."

Global leadership in publishing

Her Highness is recognised as one of the most influential figures in the global publishing industry. 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 inclusivity, freedom to publish, and equitable access to knowledge.

Contributions to the publishing industry

As the Founder and CEO of Kalimat Group, one of the region’s most respected publishing houses, Her Highness helped shape the modern book industry in the UAE and the Arab world. She also established key institutions including the Emirates Publishers Association, the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), and Knowledge Without Borders, all dedicated to nurturing a culture of reading and literacy.

Sharjah Book Authority and international influence

In her capacity as Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, Her Highness oversees the Sharjah International Book Fair, now among the largest and most celebrated literary events worldwide. Under her leadership, Sharjah’s publishing sector has expanded its international reach, serving as Guest of Honour at major global book fairs in Rabat, Seoul, London, and Frankfurt.

Sharjah World Book Capital 2019 and House of Wisdom

Her Highness chaired the Sharjah World Book Capital 2019 Committee, leading a year-long cultural programme that transformed the emirate into a global hub for books and creative dialogue. The initiative culminated in the launch of the House of Wisdom — Sharjah’s iconic library and cultural centre dedicated to fostering knowledge exchange and innovation.

Advocacy for accessibility and cultural restoration

She also played a central role in the UAE’s accession to the Marrakesh Treaty, ensuring better access to books for persons with visual impairments, and supported the restoration of Beirut’s public libraries following the 2020 port explosion.

Promoting gender equality in publishing

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

Academic recognition

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to education and cultural development, the University of Leicester awarded Her Highness the title of Honorary Professor, the first in its history, for her work in advancing women’s empowerment and child literacy.

A vision for inclusive knowledge societies

Her appointment as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture reaffirms Her Highness’s enduring vision focused on books and education as the foundation of inclusive, creative, and knowledge-based societies.