Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi Appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture

Paris – October 2025

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has announced the appointment of Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah and Chairperson of its Board of Trustees, as Goodwill Ambassador for Education and the Book Culture, in recognition of her pioneering role in advancing education, culture, and the dissemination of knowledge regionally and globally.

The announcement, made in the presence of UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay at the organization’s headquarters in Paris, marks the culmination of Sheikha Bodour’s longstanding dedication to promoting education and culture and empowering communities through books and knowledge. It also reflects the vision established by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who has long championed education and culture as cornerstones of sustainable human development and progress.

In her remarks on the occasion, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi expressed her gratitude and pride, stating:

“I am honored to be appointed as UNESCO’s Goodwill Ambassador for Education and the Culture of the Book — a role that embodies my deep belief in the power of books and learning to build bridges between peoples and to promote peace and mutual understanding”.

She added:”

This recognition is not merely personal, but also a tribute to Sharjah’s steadfast vision and its enduring commitment to education, culture, and the transformative power of the written word”.

Sheikha Bodour reaffirmed her commitment to working with UNESCO to promote access to education for all, strengthen reading culture, and ensure that the written word continues to illuminate the path toward a more peaceful and creative future. She emphasized that books and education remain among humanity’s most powerful tools for fostering understanding, innovation, and sustainable progress.

A globally recognized cultural leader, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi is the founder of the Kalimat Publishing Group and Kalimat Foundation and made history as the first Arab woman and second woman globally to serve as President of the International Publishers Association (IPA) since its founding in 1896. She has spearheaded numerous international initiatives aimed at empowering children and youth through equitable access to knowledge and reading.

Her appointment underscores Sharjah’s global stature as a vibrant hub for education, culture, and knowledge, and reaffirms the emirate’s vital role in supporting international efforts to build inclusive and sustainable knowledge-based societies.