H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi has been appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture, in recognition of her global contributions to publishing, literacy, and educational development.

As President of the American University of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, Sheikha Bodour has been a leading advocate for access to knowledge, creative expression, and education as key drivers of sustainable progress.

“I am honoured to join UNESCO’s mission as a Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture,” Sheikha Bodour 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 reinforces her “long-standing commitment to empowerment through books, education, and cultural engagement,” expressing her intent to work closely with UNESCO to expand access to learning and creative expression worldwide.

Sheikha Bodour is recognized 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 international efforts to promote inclusivity, the freedom to publish, and equitable access to knowledge.

As Founder and CEO of Kalimat Group, she has played a pivotal role in modernizing the publishing sector in the UAE and the wider Arab world. She also established several key institutions — including the Emirates Publishers Association, the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), and Knowledge Without Borders — all dedicated to promoting literacy and a culture of reading.

In her role as Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, Sheikha Bodour oversees the Sharjah International Book Fair, one of the world’s largest literary events. Under her leadership, Sharjah’s publishing sector has gained international prominence, serving as Guest of Honour at major book fairs in Rabat, Seoul, London, and Frankfurt.

She also spearheaded the Sharjah World Book Capital 2019 initiative, which strengthened the emirate’s role as a global hub for literature and creativity and culminated in the launch of the House of Wisdom cultural centre.

Sheikha Bodour has long championed social and cultural causes, including the UAE’s accession to the Marrakesh Treaty, enhancing book access for people with visual impairments, and the restoration of Beirut’s public libraries following the 2020 port explosion.

In recognition of her contributions to education and women’s empowerment, the University of Leicester awarded her its first-ever Honorary Professorship.

Her appointment as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador reaffirms her dedication to advancing education, literacy, and cultural dialogue as essential foundations of thriving societies.