Sharjah: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and under the directives of H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the UAE will host the 42nd International Congress of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) in 2030 in the Emirate of Sharjah, marking the first time the congress is held in the Arab world.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event will convene more than 1,000 experts, publishers, and academics from over 80 countries under the theme 'Stories That Change the World'. The biennial congress serves as a global platform for professionals and advocates committed to promoting access to books for children and young people worldwide. It features panel discussions, seminars, and workshops, along with exhibitions and cultural events, including the announcement of the Hans Christian Andersen Award and the IBBY Honour List.
The announcement was made during the IBBY General Assembly, held on the sidelines of the Bologna Children's Book Fair in Italy. Sheikha Bodour stated that hosting the congress reflects the UAE's belief in the power of words to shape awareness and foster empathy and openness. The event is seen as a chance to highlight the UAE's support for children's literature and reinforce Sharjah's position as a global cultural hub.
The selection of the UAE to host this global event underscores its position as a leading cultural hub, supported by an ecosystem that advances the publishing industry and promotes reading culture. This includes book fairs, festivals, cultural institutions, and public libraries. The congress will feature sessions on themes like creative content development, translation quality, and the role of literature in promoting social awareness and bibliotherapy.
Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, emphasized that the congress reflects the UAE's commitment to using culture as a bridge for communication and dialogue. It strengthens the region's presence on the global cultural stage and expands collaboration opportunities in the publishing industry.
This hosting also represents IBBY's recognition of the UAE Board on Books for Young People's initiatives, particularly in supporting national sections in Arab countries. The congress will provide a platform to strengthen partnerships among Arab and regional sections and support joint initiatives in children's literature.
Founded in 1953, IBBY is a global organization headquartered in Switzerland, promoting reading and supporting children's literature development worldwide. Its international congress serves as a key platform for sharing expertise and best practices.
The UAE Board on Books for Young People, established in 2010 by Sheikha Bodour, leads efforts to advance Arabic children's literature through various programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing literary production and young readers' engagement with books.