UNESCO named Guest of Honour at Sharjah International Book Fair 2016

SHARJAH, 9th October, 2016 (WAM) -- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) will be the guest of honour at the 35th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), held by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) from 2nd - 12th November, 2016 at Expo Centre Sharjah, organisers announced on Saturday. "By choosing the international organisation as the guest of honour at SIBF 2016, the SBA seeks to present influential pioneering models that serve human culture with the aim of motivating youth and paving the way for them to achieve the highest level of cultural undertakings in the Arab World," Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, said. The selection recognises the UNESCO's role as a leader in spreading and improving knowledge and education across the world and, in particular, in countries afflicted by wars, conflict and natural disasters. This recognition is also consistent with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, for emphasising the importance of strengthening science, education and culture, both regionally and internationally, the SBA said. "The decision reflects our deep appreciation for its offerings and sponsorship of an array of projects, such as literacy, technical training, teacher-training, international science programmes, cultural and history projects, and international cooperation agreements to preserve the world’s culture, natural heritage and human rights," Al Ameri added. In 1998, Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi launched the UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture, which rewards individuals, groups and institutions whose work and achievements promote and disseminate knowledge about Arab art and culture. An example of the initiatives that SBA seeks to highlight through its cultural ties with the UNESCO is the ‘Kitab Fi Jarida’ (book in a newspaper) project, one of the international organisation's largest efforts to promote Arabic books. As part of the programme, the UNESCO published parts and summaries of books in the form of an illustrated monthly supplement that accompanies the most important daily newspapers in Arab countries, with the supplement distributed free of charge. Since its inception, the project has published 300 million copies and highlighted the work of 160 authors. (Emirates News Agency, WAM) http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395300888736.html