Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, President of the International Publishers Association (IPA), has underscored the role of publishers in promoting principles of dialogue and understanding that contribute to consolidating peace during conflicts.

Speaking to delegates attending the Caucasus and Black Sea Basin Countries' Regional Publishing Conference in Tbilisi, Sheikha Bodour outlined the many challenges impacting publishers following the pandemic, from supply chain disruptions to copyright issues and environmental pressures.

Al Qasimi highlighted broader issues of sustainability, diversity and inclusion, which are central to the association’s ongoing discussions on the future of the industry, but also noted the vital role of publishers in upholding the principles of dialogue and understanding, serving as a gateway to peace in times of conflict.

Her visit to Georgia came as Tbilisi ends its time as UNESCO’s 2021 World Book Capital. She commended the city for its vibrant agenda of creative cultural and literary activities, and reaffirmed her belief that it would leave a positive and enduring legacy, just as being named World Book Capital in 2019 has done for Sharjah.

During her visit, she met members of the Georgian Publishers and Booksellers Association, underscoring the importance of upskilling and capacity building as priorities for publishers given the shifts taking place in the industry. She urged publishers to take advantage of the world-class learning materials offered by the IPA Academy.

As part of her visit, Al Qasimi launched the Georgian translation of her children’s book, World Book Capital with a reading session in English, while Gvantsa Jobava, Deputy Chair of the Georgian Publishers and Booksellers Association, told the story in Georgian.

WAM