Sharjah Unites Global Book Capitals to Champion Reading Culture

The 44th Sharjah International Book Fair hosted a panel titled “UNESCO and the World Book Capital Initiative,” bringing together cultural figures from Sharjah and Athens to strengthen dialogue among global book capitals.

The session featured Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of House of Wisdom and Project Manager of Sharjah World Book Capital 2019, and Anna Routsou, founding member of UNESCO’s World Book Capitals Network and PEN Greece, moderated by Amina Al Mazmi, Director of the Kalimat Foundation.

Speakers highlighted how literature and reading can bridge cultures and foster global understanding. Al Aqroubi traced Sharjah’s century-long cultural journey, noting that its UNESCO title in 2019 honored decades of promoting literacy and knowledge. Routsou shared how Athens’ World Book Capital year revitalized cultural life amid economic hardship, proving that books can unite communities in challenging times.

Both participants affirmed that Sharjah and Athens exemplify how books remain the strongest bridges between cultures.