Sharjah to host first IBBY conference on children's literature in the CANA region

Sharjah, March 10, 2013 (WAM) - The UAE Board on Books for Young people (UAEBBY) is organising the first Conference of the International Board on Books (IBBY) for Young People for the Region of Central Asia and North Africa (CANA) - an international conference dedicated to children's literature, culture, and books - which will take place at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry from 21-22 April 2013. Under the theme of "Bringing Books and Children Together", the conference will bring together children's book writers, illustrators, publishers, librarians, storytellers, academicians, and other experts in the field of children's literature from across the region of Central Asia and North Africa (CANA). The two-day conference comes in the context of the of major challenges facing the promotion of children's books and fostering a culture of reading among children, due to various conflicts, poverty and high rates of illiteracy in CANA region. It will highlight some successful experiences and achievements made by different organisations and individuals in their mission to bring books and children together, as well as the latest developments in children's literature on both the regional and the international levels. The two-day event will feature panel discussions, papers, presentations and networking sessions to come up with suggestions and practical steps for further cooperation and communication at the local, regional and international levels. Supporting the establishment of national sections in countries that are not members of IBBY, especially after the success of the UAE through its Board on Books for Young People, will be among topics to be discussed during the conference. The UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) is the national section of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), which was established in Switzerland in 1953, and has national sections in 77 countries across the world. The IBBY represents an international network of individuals and organisations that are committed to promoting a culture of reading and bringing books and children together. - Emirates News Agency, WAM