Sheikha Bodour: Arab world has tremendous creative potential and huge capability
H.E. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), chaired a meeting of representatives from Arab Sections of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) to discuss the status of Arabic children's literature and possible cooperation between Arab boards for the best interests of Arab children.
The meeting, held in keeping with the spirit of the Sharjah International Book Fair 2010 at the Expo Centre in Sharjah, brought together UAEBBY members represented by Nadia El Kholy from the Egyptian Board on Books for Young People (EBBY), Shereen Kreidieh from Lebanese Board on Books for Young People (LBBY).
The main focus of the meeting was the status of Arab children's culture and cooperation between Arab branches of IBBY. The need for Arab book boards to step-up their efforts and overcome any challenges and obstacles that may stand in their way, and to take further steps to build the younger generation through high-quality children's books that instill decent values in their minds.
Sheikha Bodour said, "The Arab world has tremendous creative potential and huge capability. We need to unlock the potential of Arab intellectuals and encourage their creativity so they come up with quality literature that can compete on the global stage. Arab intellectuals have proved they are creative and able to compete internationally, and that this is a subject that is worthy of attention and support."
The meeting also touched on a number of topics of common interest to all participants, with focus on the prospects of future cooperation between Arab boards.
"Considering the similarity of viewpoints held by the Arab boards, we have decided to hold meetings on a regular basis to follow up on issues of mutual concern," Sheikha Bodour added.
At the end of the meeting, attendees praised the important role played by the UAE in enhancing the march of Arabic culture and consolidating the foundations of children's culture in the light of global intellectual changes. They expressed their great appreciation for the warm hospitality received and the unlimited support in working to regain the status of Arabic culture and put it back on the track. They also paid tribute to the UAE for occupying a leading position and becoming a safe haven for every promising intellectual.
-Ends-
For further information, please contact:
Maryam B. Keblawi
SAHARA Communications
Tel: +971 4 3298996
Fax: +971 4 3298995
Mobile: +971 50 4779923
E-mail: maryam@saharagcc.com
www.saharagcc.com
© Press Release 2010
