Session highlights Sharjah’s role in promoting literature

At the ongoing 44th annual Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), cultural ambassadors from Sharjah and Athens shared how literature remains humanity’s most enduring bridge between cultures.

The spirit of global cultural dialogue was shining bright as leading voices spoke in a session titled “UNESCO World Book Capital Initiative.”

Moderated by Amna Al Mazmi, Director of the Kalimat Foundation for Children’s Empowerment, the session explored how literature, reading, and cultural exchange continue to strengthen bridges between communities and nations.

Al Mazmi set the tone for discussion, expressing pride in hosting such a meaningful dialogue in Sharjah, a city synonymous with culture and knowledge.

“Sharjah has always been a space where creativity and knowledge meet,” she said, highlighting the emirate’s commitment to education, literacy, and intercultural understanding.

Panelist Marwa Al Aqroubi, Project Lead of Sharjah World Book Capital 2019 and Executive Director of House of Wisdom, reflected on the emirate’s journey leading up to its selection as the UNESCO World Book Capital in 2019.

“Sharjah didn’t build its cultural identity because of the title; the title recognised what already existed,” she said.

“For more than 100 years, Sharjah has invested in libraries, education, and knowledge.”

She traced the emirate’s deep-rooted history in literacy, noting the establishment of its first library nearly a century ago. Under the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the emirate has laid a long-lasting foundation in terms of culture through striking projects.

Among them is the “Home Library” initiative, which provided 42,366 Emirati households in Sharjah with a completely equipped personal library - becoming a first-of-its-kind achievement in the region.

Anna Routsi, founding member of UNESCO’s World Book Capital Network and of PEN Greece, reflected on how the title of “World Book Capital” revitalised Athens during a period of economic and social hardship.

“When Athens received the title, Greece was facing an economic challenge,” she said.

“The World Book Capital initiative gave people a reason to be proud again. It brought cultural diplomacy to life.”

Routsi explained that for Athens, the test was not just to celebrate literature, but to bring books to people who may not have access to them. She said: “We had to make reading joyful again. We merged books with art, music, and cinema, ensuring that reading became a social experience, something alive and accessible.”

Both speakers agreed that the real test of the World Book Capital title lies in sustaining its legacy.

Al Aqroubi highlighted how Sharjah continues to build on its momentum through continuous initiatives, new publishing projects, and global partnerships. Furthermore, Sharjah’s leadership in the World Book Capital Network has had a tangible humanitarian impact.

Al Aqroubi highlighted how Sharjah extended support to rebuild libraries in Beirut following the devastating port explosion and sent educational materials to schools in Conakry, Guinea, and several other regions that have been affected by crises.

“These are not political bridges but rather bridges of knowledge and culture,” she added. Routsi also emphasised the importance of collaboration among former World Book Capitals, emphasising that the network connects all participating cities to share experiences and support new applicants.

“It’s not just a title that lasts a year. It’s a network of cooperation, a way to keep culture alive and accessible globally,” she added.

The session ended with a sense of pride among the panel that cities like Sharjah and Athens are proof that books are far more than physical objects. They are the foundations upon which societies connect, evolve, and thrive.

The SIBF 2025) opened on Nov.5, bringing together more than 250 authors, creatives, and intellectuals from 66 countries to lead over 1,200 cultural, artistic, and creative events.

Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme “Between You and a Book,’ the 12-day fair runs until Nov.16 and hosts over 2,350 publishers, including 1,224 Arab and 1,126 international publishers, offering millions of titles to visitors.