Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi has been named UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture, in recognition of her global efforts to promote publishing and educational development.
Sheikha Bodour also holds the position of President of the American University of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority.
She previously made history as the first Arab woman to serve as President of the International Publishers Association (IPA), where she led global dialogue on inclusivity, freedom to publish and equitable access to knowledge.
Sheikha Bodour highlighted that her role with UNESCO "deepens (her) long-standing commitment to empowerment through books, education and cultural engagement".
She also added on the significance of literature, stating that "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".

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