In a historic moment for the literary world, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi has been appointed as the President of the International Publishers Association (IPA), marking a significant milestone not only for the Arab world but for the global publishing industry as a whole.
As the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and President of the American University of Sharjah, Chairperson and President of Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP), Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kalimat Group, Sheikha Bodour has been a driving force behind the cultural and educational advancement in the UAE and beyond.
Sheikha Bodour’s journey to the presidency of IPA began with her founding of the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) in 2009, which later gained full membership of IPA in 2012. Her tireless efforts in developing the publishing industry across the Gulf Cooperation Council and the wider Arab region have been instrumental in shaping the cultural landscape of the UAE.
Notably, her leadership played a pivotal role in Sharjah’s selection as the UNESCO World Book Capital 2019, a testament to the city’s strong cultural legacy under her guidance. Her appointment as IPA President-elect is not only a recognition of her individual achievements but also a reflection of the UAE’s commitment to promoting literature and knowledge on the global stage.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Sheikha Bodour has also been deeply involved in humanitarian efforts, particularly in supporting children’s and young adults’ access to innovative content. Through initiatives aimed at providing books to refugees and children affected by conflicts and wars, she has demonstrated her unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation through education and literature.
As she prepares to assume the presidency of IPA, Sheikha Bodour’s vision for the future of the publishing industry is clear: to foster greater collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation. Her appointment as the first woman from the Arab world to lead IPA serves as an inspiration to women everywhere and reaffirms the transformative power of literature in building bridges across cultures and generations.
In Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the literary world has found a trailblazer, a visionary, and a champion of knowledge whose leadership will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the global publishing landscape for generations to come.
