‘Embodying the diversity of talents and backgrounds that enrich UNESCO’s work,’ Bodour Al Qasimi and three others are named UNESCO goodwill ambassadors.

By Porter Anderson, Editor-in-Chief | @Porter_Anderson

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Al Qasimi’: ‘To Champion These Values’

With the 44th edition of Sharjah International Book Fair (November 5 to 16) and the 15th Sharjah Publishers Conference opening on November 2, the timing couldn’t be better for the news from Paris—that UNESCO director-general Audrey Azoulay has named Al Qasimi one of four key international people in book publishing to the post of UNESCO goodwill ambassadors.

Al Qasimi, of course, is chair of the Sharjah Book Authority, which produces the Sharjah International Book Fair, its Publishers Conference, Booksellers conference, and many special and literarily based events, with Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri as CEO to work with Al Qasimi in promoting the artistic and cultural vision of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, whose Publishing City Trade Zone in Sharjah is among the most forward-looking facilities created yet to enhance the Arab world’s capabilities in print-on-demand with Ingram Content Group and distribution throughout the region.

The founding publisher of the Kalimat Group in Sharjah and the Emirates Publishers Association, Bodour Al Qasimi is also president of the American University at Sharjah.

She may be best known in the world publishing industry for her term as president of the Geneva-based International Publishers Association (IPA), in many cases serves as an articulate philanthropist, and most recently sent the PublisHer Lounge to Frankfurter Buchmesse with a solid roster of panels and input and a gratifying turnout of international trade visitors to the world’s largest international book-business show of its kind.

Al Qasimi’s close, supportive work of UNESCO’s Azoulay began with the appointment of Sharjah as the first Arab city-state to be UNESCO’s World Book Capital in 2019. And some may see in Al Qasimi’s work—from Davos to Dubai—as the bright outlines of someone whose career has uniquely prepared her (in business as well as in cultural policy) to become a UNESCO director-general, herself.

Azoulay: ‘The Diversity of Backgrounds That Enrich UNESCO’s Work’

In naming not only Al Qasimi but also three additional goodwill ambassadors, Azoulay says, “These individuals embody the diversity of talents and backgrounds that enrich UNESCO’s work.

“Through their influence, creativity, and commitment, these Goodwill Ambassadors will help convey the organization’s messages within civil society—among youth, innovators, researchers, artists, businesses, and all those shaping the world of tomorrow.”

Al Qasimi says in response::

“I am deeply honored to join UNESCO’s mission as a Goodwill Ambassador for education and book culture.

Bodour Al Qasimi

“Books have the power to open minds, bridge divides, and build resilient, knowledge-driven societies. In a world of rapid change, investing in literacy, education, and access to culture is not optional. It is essential.

“This role is both a responsibility and a continuation of my commitment to advancing empowerment through books, education, and cultural engagement. I look forward to working closely with UNESCO to champion these values and help expand opportunities for learning and creative expression around the world.”

The other three newly named goodwill ambassadors this week are:

• Gael García Bernal, the director, producer, and actor who co-founded the NGO (non-governmental organization) Ambulante in 2005;
• Investment banker chair Ibrahim Magassa, whose efforts for UNESCO will like initially in education, “Campus Africa,” new technologies, and cultural heritage; and lastly:
• Architect, entrepreneur, and chair of Endeavor Greece, Costantza Sbokou-Constantakopoulou, who UNESCO notes “champions the integration of creativity and innovation at the heart of sustainable development.”

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