Latest news with #childliteracy
UAE Moments
a day ago
- Business
- UAE Moments
Sheikha Bodour Becomes University of Leicester's 1st Honorary Professor
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at the American University of Sharjah (AUS), was formally conferred the title of Honorary Professor by the University of Leicester, a distinction given for the first time in the university's history. The ceremony took place at the School of Business's Brookfield Campus and was led by Professor Henrietta O'Connor and Professor Dan Ladley. This prestigious recognition honours her exceptional contributions to women's empowerment, child literacy, and cultural development on a regional and international scale. Connecting Cross-Cultural Academia and Creativity During her visit, Sheikha Bodour engaged with faculty and students and took part in a discussion on museum studies and research within the cultural sector—underscoring her commitment to international academic collaboration and cultural understanding. Championing Literacy, Inclusion, and Publishing Innovation As the founder and CEO of Kalimat Group, Sheikha Bodour has overseen the publication of over 500 socially conscious Arabic children's books across 15+ countries. Her Kalimat Foundation has delivered inclusive literacy programs in 31 nations. She played a pivotal role in the UAE's accession to the Marrakesh Treaty, which ensures accessible books for persons with print disabilities. She also established the Emirates Publishers Association, the UAE Board on Books for Young People, and made history in 2020 by becoming the first Arab woman to serve as President of the International Publishers Association since its founding in 1896. Empowering Women and Strengthening Educational Equity Reflecting on the honour, Sheikha Bodour said, 'This recognition from the University of Leicester is deeply meaningful… education is one of the most powerful ways to build cultural bridges.' She expressed her hope that the award inspires young women to 'lead with purpose' and claim their ideas and space confidently. Professor Dan Ladley described her as 'inclusive, inspiring and impactful,' praising her unwavering dedication to equality, leadership, and transformation across education and publishing. A Trailblazer's Broader Legacy Under Sheikha Bodour's leadership at AUS, new initiatives include six research centres spanning artificial intelligence, sustainability, and Islamic studies, as well as scholarship expansions for underrepresented students. She spearheaded the establishment of the first endowed academic chair for women's leadership in the UAE— the Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi Chair in Women's Leadership in partnership with NAMA Women Advancement Establishment. Her influence continues beyond academia: she drives cultural innovation through Sharjah Publishing City, UNESCO initiatives, and global platforms including WEF and UNESCO World Book Capital Networks. The University of Leicester's conferment of its first-ever Honorary Professorship on Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi is a historic tribute to her leadership in education, literacy, and cultural diplomacy. Her appointment symbolizes the university's values of inclusivity, global engagement, and academic excellence—and heralds a new era of cross-border collaboration and inspiration.
The National
a day ago
- Business
- The National
Sheikha Bodour becomes first honorary professor of UK's University of Leicester
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi has told of her mission to inspire others after receiving the first honorary professorship bestowed by the UK's University of Leicester. , who serves as president of the American University of Sharjah and is part of the emirate's ruling family, was recognised for her efforts to champion women's empowerment and child literacy, and to promote cultural development regionally and across the globe. The title of honorary professor was conferred at a ceremony held at the University of Leicester's School of Business. During her visit she spoke to students and faculty members, and took part in a discussion on museum studies and cultural sector research. 'This recognition from the University of Leicester is deeply meaningful to me,' said Sheikha Bodour. 'In Sharjah, we believe that education is one of the most powerful ways to build cultural bridges and foster mutual understanding. "It is through knowledge, inclusion and service to others that we create lasting impact. I hope this honour encourages others, especially young women, to believe in their ideas, claim their space and lead with purpose.' It is the latest notable achievement in a distinguished career dedicated to improving lives through learning and culture. She is the founder and chief executive of Kalimat Group, which has published more than 500 titles in over 15 countries, with a focus on socially conscious Arabic children's literature and inclusive storytelling. As head of the organisation she has delivered key literacy projects and helped to broaden access to reading resources in 31 countries. She also played a pivotal role in the UAE's accession to the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled. She founded the Emirates Publishers' Association in 2009, which gained full membership of International Publishers' Association three years later. In 2020, she became the first woman in the Arab world to be appointed President of the IPA. Sheikha Bodour has also been a driving force behind sharing Sharjah's rich culture with the world. She served as ambassador for the successful Unesco World Heritage site bid for the Faya Palaeolandscape. The ancient desert location in central Sharjah features one of the world's oldest and most uninterrupted records of early human presence, dating back more than 210,000 years. The University of Leicester honour reflects her wider efforts to promote gender equity in higher education, ensuring increased representation of women in leadership roles. She spearheaded the establishment of the 'Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi Chair in Women's Leadership' at the American University of Sharjah, in collaboration with Nama Women Advancement Establishment – the UAE's first endowed chair dedicated to women's leadership and development. Under her leadership, the university has launched six new research centres in artificial intelligence, sustainability, and Arab and Islamic studies, while expanding scholarship support for students with disabilities and those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi conferred University of Leicester's first-ever honorary professorship
Honored for advancing inclusive excellence in higher education and strengthening academic institutions Sharjah: Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of American University of Sharjah (AUS), has been conferred the title of Honorary Professor by the University of Leicester---its first-ever honorary professorship and one of the highest honors it bestows---in recognition of her impactful contributions to women's empowerment, child literacy and cultural development regionally and globally. On July 25, Sheikha Bodour visited the University of Leicester School of Business, where she was formally conferred the title during an official ceremony at the Brookfield Campus. The title was presented by Professor Henrietta O'Connor, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and Professor Dan Ladley, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Head of College and Executive Dean of the School of Business. During her visit, Sheikha Bodour engaged with students and faculty and participated in a dedicated discussion on museum studies and cultural sector research, further underscoring her commitment to advancing cross-cultural dialogue and academic collaboration. A global leader in publishing and education, Sheikha Bodour has led transformative efforts to expand access to books, knowledge and inclusive learning. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kalimat Group, which has published more than 500 titles in over 15 countries, with a focus on socially conscious Arabic children's literature and inclusive storytelling. As Founder and Chairperson of Kalimat Foundation, she has delivered literacy and accessibility initiatives in 31 countries and played a key role in the UAE's accession to the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled. She is also the Founder of the Emirates Publishers Association and the UAE Board on Books for Young People and previously served as President of the International Publishers Association, becoming the first Arab woman and only the second woman in its history to hold the post since 1896. 'This recognition from the University of Leicester is deeply meaningful to me,' said Sheikha Bodour. 'In Sharjah, we believe that education is one of the most powerful ways to build cultural bridges and foster mutual understanding. It is through knowledge, inclusion and service to others that we create lasting impact. I hope this honor encourages others, especially young women, to believe in their ideas, claim their space and lead with purpose.' Professor Dan Ladley, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Head of College and Executive Dean of the School of Business, said: 'The University of Leicester is delighted to welcome Sheikha Bodour to its family. She embodies the values of the University---inclusive, inspiring and impactful---in her commitment to empower others through education, entrepreneurship and publishing, her unequivocal focus on equality and inclusion and her passion for making this world a better place. The first Arab woman to become president of the International Publishers Association and a champion of gender equity in higher education and women in leadership roles, Sheikha Bodour is leading the way for women on a global scale.' In her drive to champion women leadership in publishing, Sheikha Bodour established Publis H er, a global movement advocating for women's leadership in the industry. Since its launch, it has gained remarkable momentum, creating safe, inclusive spaces for women in publishing to connect, collaborate and rise. Complementing this commitment to inclusivity, she also led the International Sustainable Publishing and Industry Resilience initiative, which supported the publishing sector during the COVID-19 pandemic and helped build more adaptive, future-ready systems across the industry. She also chaired the committee behind Sharjah's designation as UNESCO World Book Capital 2019 and led the establishment of the House of Wisdom, a landmark cultural center fostering knowledge, dialogue and innovation. As Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, she continues to elevate Sharjah's global standing through events such as the Sharjah International Book Fair, the Sharjah Booksellers Conference and Sharjah Publishing City. Sheikha Bodour has advocated for diversity, freedom to publish, literacy and youth development through platforms including UNESCO's World Book Capital Cities Network and the World Economic Forum, where she became the first Emirati woman to co-chair the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa, and chaired the Regional Business Council for the Middle East and North Africa. Her recognition by the University of Leicester also reflects her broader efforts in promoting equity and academic excellence. Since being appointed President of AUS in 2023, Sheikha Bodour has championed gender equity in higher education, ensuring increased representation of women in leadership roles. She spearheaded the establishment of the 'Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi Chair in Women's Leadership' at AUS, in collaboration with NAMA Women Advancement Establishment---the UAE's first endowed chair dedicated to women's leadership and development. Under her leadership, AUS has launched six new research centers in fields including artificial intelligence, sustainability and Arab and Islamic studies, while expanding scholarship support for students with disabilities and those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Sheikha Bodour's work also extends to entrepreneurship, innovation and economic development. As Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), she has supported over 150 startups that have raised $128 million in investment and created more than 1,400 jobs. As Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), she has led strategic projects across sectors including tourism, sustainability, healthcare and the cultural economy. At the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, she oversees a $150 million initiative that has attracted over 2,000 companies and more than $100 million in research investment across renewable energy, agritech, mobility and immersive technologies. Sheikha Bodour holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from the University of Cambridge and a Master of Science in Medical Anthropology from University College London. Her career continues to blend public service, entrepreneurship and cultural advocacy, reinforcing AUS as a center of research and inclusion while shaping global conversations on education, publishing and leadership. Video Link |
CTV News
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Calgary Reads hosting the Big Book Sale for readers of all ages
From May 9 to 18, book lovers can visit the Calgary Curling Club to buy some gently used reads in support of child literacy programs.
