SHARJAH, 9th March, 2019 (WAM) -- Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Head of the Advisory Committee of Sharjah World Book Capital, has underscored that the Sharjah World Book Capital, SWBC, 2019 title is a recognition of Sharjah’s and the UAE’s commitment to promoting cultural endeavours, support Arab intellectuals and strengthen relations with international cultural centres.

She pointed out that winning the world’s most prestigious cultural title is a culmination of the synergies shared by an array of state entities dedicated to taking the emirate’s inclusive cultural accomplishments to the world.

This was stated during a meeting of the Advisory Committee of the SWBC held at Al Noor Island in Sharjah to discuss the final preparations that have gone into putting together the programme list that will celebrate this prestigious UNESCO title. After an official inauguration on April 23, 2019, a 365-day cultural programme will follow engaging all segments of the UAE community in a plethora of events and activities hosted across Sharjah.

The meeting, chaired by Sheikha Bodour, shed light on the six pillars, which form the basis of the title and ensuing celebrations: Unifying Community, Fostering Knowledge, Honouring Heritage, Empowering Children and Youth, Raising Awareness and Developing Publishing Industries. These pillars were chosen to broaden social partnerships in the creating of a vibrant programme, create well-educated future generations who embrace knowledge and reading as part of their lives and professions, and support publishers and the larger industry with a global platform to showcase their work and achievements.

"The title’s theme ‘Open Books. Open Minds’ reflects the emirate’s cultural vision, and is a fitting reflection of the way we perceive the role of books and knowledge in shaping our communities, especially future generations. The theme emphasises the importance of offering ample opportunities for learning through books, broadening one’s horizons, and engaging with the world peacefully, affectionately and positively. We strive to promote our culture and civilisation across the world" said Sheikha Bodour.

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council, underlined the fact that the emirate is gearing up for a series of events to celebrate the title. "We are striving to make the yearlong celebrations an unforgettable experience that the Arab world will remember fondly for years to come. To this end, dozens of entities and hundreds of experts are working closely to ensure that Sharjah is contributing to humankind’s shared cultural legacy as the 19th UNESCO World Book Capital."