Team Radiant picked up first prize and advances towards the regional round alongside the runner-up, Team Palmyrah…reports Asian Lite News
The closing ceremony of the 2022 internationally acclaimed Hult Prize took place at Asian University of Women (AUW) last week. Marking the end of the on-campus round of the competition aimed at ‘Getting the World Back to Work’, Team Radiant picked up first prize and advances towards the regional round alongside the runner-up, Team Palmyrah.
Hosted for the fifth year at AUW, the 2022 competition attracted more than 100 student entries with six top teams being selected to proceed towards the Grand Finale of the on-campus round.
Hult Prize is a year-long business competition where students from different universities around the globe get exciting opportunities to solve the social issues which are happening around the planet through their innovative business models. This year’s theme is based on creating meaningful work opportunities, as part of which the participating teams had to come up with business ideas that will employ at least 2,000 people by 2024 and create a positive impact on the world.
According to the prize official website, the prize management retained the international law firm Kirkland & Ellis LLP to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations of misconduct by the management. The investigation revealed multiple allegations of sexual misconduct that occurred in connection with Hult Prize events from 2018 to 2021. These allegations ranged in severity from unwanted sexual advances and touching to sexual assault, with the alleged victims consisting of Hult Prize staff, participants, volunteers, and mentors. Former Hult Prize CEO Ahmad Ashkar was identified in multiple instances of alleged sexual misconduct. Three former Hult Prize staff members, and three individuals who previously served as competition mentors were also alleged to have engaged in sexual misconduct. Former Chief Operating Officer Charlemagne Quinitio and former Chief of Staff Nelly Andrade, who were terminated for failing to meet the standards expected of Hult Prize senior leaders, were not implicated by alleged victims in sexual misconduct.
Sheikh Zayed Festival concludes its activities and events (WAM)
The Sheikh Zayed Festival concluded its activities on Friday, after four months of daily activities and events at Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi…reports Asian Lite News
The event was organised under the auspices of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, The festival named after Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in recognition of the fundamental role he played in preserving the traditions and culture of the UAE while leading its people on a comprehensive journey of development, succeeded in attracting huge crowds from worldwide.
Sheikh Zayed Festival concludes its activities and events (WAM)
Held under the theme “UAE Uniting Civilisations”, the festival reflected the authentic values and beliefs of the culture and society based on openness, coexistence, tolerance, and acceptance of the other.
The festival enjoyed great success enhancing its reputation as a global event that gathers international civilisations within its grounds. The audience was delighted by the huge array of fun and entertaining events for the family, giving visitors the unique experience of interacting with replicas of 24 traditional neighbourhoods from around the world, each of which reflected different aspects of other civilisations, with traditional markets, fascinating shows, folkloric dances and music and a wonderful glimpse into other societies.
Sheikh Zayed Festival concludes its activities and events (WAM)
Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President, President of the Camel Racing Federation and Chairman of the festival’s Organising Committee, thanked President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa for generously sponsoring the festival, and also thanked His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his continued support and H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his tireless follow-up.
He commended the role of the organising committee and its efforts to make it such a success and deliver the festival’s cultural and humanitarian message to the world. He also praised the role of the strategic partners, participants, volunteers and task forces.
He stressed that this year’s festival had been exceptional, particularly as it coincided with the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the UAE on its 50th anniversary, a glorious occasion where events showcased the values and concepts on which the UAE was founded, and paid homage to the efforts of the late Sheikh Zayed, who laid the foundations for the UAE and prepared the land and his people for the future to which the UAE aspires over the next 50 years.
Humaid Saeed Al Neyadi, Director of the Private Office of Sheikh Mansour, and Deputy Chairman of the Organising Committee of the festival, also thanked President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa for his generous sponsorship. He expressed his gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for his continued support and Sheikh Mansour for his diligent follow-up.
Sheikh Zayed Festival concludes its activities and events (WAM)
Al Neyadi stressed that the leadership’s keen interest in sponsoring and supporting the festival contributed to the consolidation of its global reputation for uniting civilisations and reflecting the Emirati culture. He extended his thanks to Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan for his support, follow up and directives.
The organising committee thanked and appreciated all the partners, sponsors, the Abu Dhabi Police, Takatuf volunteers and participating entities in this edition of the Festival.
The festival’s sponsors list included the Diamond sponsor, Dubai Insurance, and Platinum sponsors, Dolphin Energy, Adnoc, First Abu Dhabi Bank and Emirates Insurance, alongside Golden sponsors Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Etisalat, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Al-Futtaim Motors. The Silver sponsors this year included Bin Hamoodah Group, Emirates Steel, Al Ain Pharmacy, Nirvana Travel and Tourism, Bin Azeez Group and RainLight Company.
The list of participating partners this year included the H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival, the Arabian Saluki Centre, the Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club, the Presidential Camels, the Abu Dhabi Falconer’s Club and the General Women’s Union. The list of supporting partners included the Abu Dhabi Waste Management Centre, Tadweer, and the Integrated Transport Centre at Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport.
Strategic partners this year included the Department of Culture and Tourism, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation the National Library and Archives, and the media partner was Abu Dhabi Media, with the Burjeel Medical Centre as a healthcare partner. (WAM)
This year’s series saw 650 golfers compete over four qualifying legs for a place in the final…reports Asian Lite News
The seventh Prestige Masters Series recently concluded at India’s number one ranked golf course, Prestige Golfshire Club with a spectacular final event. This year’s series saw 650 golfers compete over four qualifying legs for a place in the final.
Sixty golfers went head-to-head in the final event, competing for the coveted accolade of 2021 Masters Series Champion and the grand prize of a trip for two flying Emirates Business Class to Costa Navarino Westin Resort & Spa in Greece, a fellow Troon Golf facility.
Mr. Ashok Chokalingan, Winner of the 2021 Prestige Masters Series
The 2021 winner, Mr. Ashok Chokalingan qualified for the final in the third leg back in September, with an overall score of 39 points. Mr. Chokalingan went on to take the title by five shots in the final from runner-up Satyendra Kumar. Mr. Chokalingan will now travel to Greece to enjoy two rounds on the acclaimed Bernhard Langer and Jose Maria Olazabal golf courses.
Mr. Ashok Chokalingan, winner of the 2021 Prestige Masters Series was ecstatic with his win, confirming that it was the highlight of his golfing life and “the highest honour I have received in my personal golfing career”.
The Prestige Golfshire team worked tirelessly to have the course ready to play after the course saw over two inches of rain on the Thursday night before the event, causing the 7th green to disappear under water for most of Friday. But by Saturday the green was open for play.
Commenting on the course condition following the seventh Prestige Masters Series Final, Declan McCollam, General Manager at Prestige Golfshire Club, said: “The work put in by Javier Farran, the Golf Course Superintendent and his team to prepare the course for the event was exceptional and a tribute to the professionalism of the entire Prestige Golfshire team who made the event a success.”
The Prestige Masters Series is now in its seventh year and in that time, there has been nearly 5,000 golfers who have competed for the series title and exceptional grand prize. 2021 was once again a hugely successful event, demonstrated by the participation of so many golfers, their enthusiasm and competitive spirit which was very much evident throughout the series.
Prestige Golfshire Club
Over the past decade, the Prestige Group has firmly established itself as one of the leading and most successful developers of real estate in India by imprinting its indelible mark across all asset classes. Founded in 1986, the group’s turnover is in excess of USD $460m. Now with 205 landmark developments across the city, the company has extended its expertise to major cities across South India including Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Mysore, Mangalore and Goa.
On the hospitality front, the Prestige Group has been credited with introducing some of the most reputed international brands in the world to South India, such as the Hilton Group and Marriott International for hotels; the Banyan Tree for resorts; and Oakwood for service apartments. In association with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, the company launched their hotel, ‘The Aloft’, in Cessna Business Park in 2014 and will be launching the Sheraton Hotel in Prestige Shantiniketan in the near future. The company’s world-class projects have also attracted renowned clients such as Intel, Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, Oracle, IBM and Cisco to name a few.
The Prestige Masters Series for 2021 was supported by a diverse group of sponsors from many National and International Brands. Our title sponsor for 2021 was Technogym, one of the world’s largest companies in the field of commercial and home gym equipment. The Annual sponsors for the year included Costa Navarino Resort and Spa Greece, Coca-Cola, DNA Networks, Conrad Hotels, Angsana Resort, Diageo, Callaway Golf, Budweiser, XoXoday, Maui Jim, Grover Zampa Wines, and Amplify U. We also had companies sponsor each qualifying leg as it was an ideal opportunity to create and retain brand recognition. These included Quantra quartz, Fenesta, ACC cements, Kohler, Climaveneta, Shakti JLR, Fujitec, L&T, IPI Toro Yamaha, JMC projects, Strone Technologies and Nitco. The sponsors were provided strategic coverage throughout the tournament through digital media, print ads, standees in the lobby areas, runner boards on the golf course and a dedicated interactive experience zone. In addition to this, billboards and radio jingles were used to spread the brand names onto a larger target market.
2022 is set to be an exciting year for Prestige Golfshire Club with the team working on some exciting and glamourous additions to the 2022 Prestige Master Series, including the Prestige Super 4s League, which will begin in January 2022. This brand-new team series concept will see four players paired together taking on other teams over a four-month period, inspiring great rivalry on the course and long-time camaraderie off the course.
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) stressed the importance of strengthening economic relations between the Emirate of Sharjah and the Republic of India…reports Asian Lite News
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) stressed the importance of strengthening economic relations between the Emirate of Sharjah and the Republic of India, by highlighting the available investment opportunities and the facilities and incentives offered by both sides in various vital sectors.
This came during the Sharjah-India business forum organized by the SCCI on the sidelines of the visit of a delegation from Global Network India, an International Trade Consulting Firm.
SCCI organises Sharjah-India business forum
The forum was attended by Abdulaziz Shattaf, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Business Sector, SCCI, Dr. Jagat Shah, President of the Global Network India, and 16 Indian companies specializing in the sectors of trade in building materials, electronics, food products, agriculture, health, education, and chemical manufacturing.
Pointing to the importance of the forum in meeting the evolving needs of foreign investments coming from India to the Sharjah markets, Abdulaziz Shattaf said that the UAE and India have a long history of commercial, social and cultural relations.
He pointed out that UAE has invested $10 billion in India in the last five years, stressing the SCCI’s eagerness to strengthen this partnership and achieve the two countries’ directions that the value of mutual trade reaches about $100 billion over the next five years.
This can be achieved by paying more attention to new vital sectors such as Jewelry, gold industry, medical equipment, information technology, textiles, building materials, etc, noted Shattaf.
“The number of Indian companies investing in the Emirate of Sharjah has reached about 22,242 companies, most of which are specializing in the sectors of education, trade and health. The Emirati investment in India focuses on the sectors of manufacturing, ceramics, navigation, sea and air freight, oil and gas, and tourism. The number of Emirati delegations to India in 2020 and 2021 amounted to about 232 visits, in addition to about 1,106 flights between the UAE and India per week, as well as 33 agreements concluded between the UAE and India for cooperation in various and vital sectors,” Shattaf said in conclusion.
For his part, Dr. Jagat Shah described the business environment in Sharjah as distinct and innovative, enjoying global capabilities and great competitive advantages, underlining that the Emirate of Sharjah is an ideal location for establishing companies for diversity and ease of shipment to and from it.
Shah expressed the keenness of the Global Network India to organize many meetings during the next year and to enhance cooperation with the Sharjah Chamber to support the prosperity of trade exchange and open future prospects for economic partnership during the coming stages.
In turn, the representative of the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone said that SAIF Zone’s participation in such meetings aims to introduce its unique advantages and privileges to international companies and institutions.
He pointed out that the SAIZ Zone is home to over 7,500 companies, pointing to the incentives provided to investors and companies, such as 100% foreign ownership of businesses, 100 % repatriation of capital and profits, and 100 percent corporate or personal income tax exemptions, 100% import and export tax exemptions.
The Emirates International Endurance Village of Al Wathba launched today the National Day Endurance Cup, over a distance of 120 km…reports Asian Lite News
The Emirates International Endurance Village of Al Wathba launched today the National Day Endurance Cup, over a distance of 120 km, in four stages, with the participation of the most competitive jockeys and knights representing the various stables and equestrian clubs of the country.
National Day Endurance Cup starts today
The event is being organised under the patronage, support and follow-up of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.
The village was decorated with the slogan of “Expo 2020 Dubai”, to promote the global event’s position that coincides with the UAE’s Golden Jubilee, and highlights its stature.
The Emirates International Endurance Village is organising the event in coordination with UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation. The National Day Endurance Cup is considered one of the most important tournaments, as it attracts the attention of jockeys and coaches.
Musallam Al Ameri, Director-General of the Emirates International Endurance Village praised Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed’s support and patronage of the village’s races and welcomed the participants in the race.
Al Ameri confirmed the village’s readiness to host the race to provide a distinctive competitive environment for the participants to present their best technical levels.
As Abu Dhabi Art opens to the public today, UAE social enterprise 81 Designs that works Palestinian refugee women artisans and Lebanese designer Nada Debs unveil a new collaborative collection at Manarat Al Saadiyat…reports Asian Lite News
The collection titled ‘On Belonging’ is a culmination of a six-month project inspired by Palestinian artist Nabil Anani’s ‘In Pursuit of Utopia’ which is a picturesque portrayal of his imagined homeland envisioned as one immaculate landscape, without division or disruptions. Reimagined by Nada Debs and her brand ethos that follow the ‘handmade and heartmade’ tag line, this collection features seven crafted pebble chairs and straw lamps, handstitched and signed by the refugee artisans employed by 81 Designs, and created by pushing the boundaries of craft, geography, art and community for a deeper sense of connection and compassion tied to homeland and history. As an ode to the Golden Jubilee of the UAE, the seven pieces represent the seven emirates, while the craft revives a sense of belonging connected to the culture of Lebanon and the art pays homage to the land of Palestine.
‘On Belonging’ at Abu Dhabi Art 2021
Bringing together artists and artisans, creators and designers, to weave together design, craft, art and culture by revolutionizing the use of traditional embroidery Tatreez, Nesrine El-Tibi Maalouf, Co-founder of 81 Designs, said: “Since 81 Designs workshop is located inside the Ain El Hilweh refugee camp in Lebanon, the team of artisan women faced major challenges stemming from the country’s grave economic crisis, with power cuts, water and petrol shortages, not to mention the camp security restrictions, and ongoing COVID health pandemic. We are very proud of what these ladies have achieved.”
Despite the challenges faced by the team of artisans within the 81 Designs workshop located in the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in Lebanon, this collaboration was possible due to the resilience of the women behind the work and is a testament of their commitment to tradition and craft.
Nesrine El-Tibi Maalouf, 81 Designs co-founder
Nadine Maalouf, Co-founder of 81 Designs says: “Our mission is to narrate the artistic tale of old traditions. Our collaborations allow us to empower the refugee artisans we employ by providing them with sustainable jobs. Our collaboration with Nada Debs reflects a strong sense of community and the fusion between craft and design.”
As a true craft-custodian and educator, Nada Debs’ vision for new-materialism comes to life through the design process and creative collaboration which weaves emotion into furniture and design by adding depth to traditional Palestinian cross-stitching. “My work is about identity, restoring and elevating traditional craft and instilling a sense of belonging. By revisiting roots and working with refugee artisans, this project was an infusion of identities and a heartfelt dialogue conveyed via craft, relaying messages of hope and freedom, dignity and identity,” says Nada Debs.
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The ‘On Belonging’ collection is available for purchase at Abu Dhabi Art 2021 which runs until Nov 21. For more information, contact: Info@81Designsme.com and visit www.81designsme.com.
Trevor credits his mother for his global stardom at SIBF 2021
Celebrity TV host and comedian offers his fans at the 40th Sharjah International Book Fair an intimate account of how his mother’s upbringing set him up for global fame and success…reports Asian Lite News
The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2021) ballroom couldn’t hold another soul on Friday night. The sight was reminiscent of a sold-out rock concert with hundreds of fans stretching their arms out trying to raise their phones higher than their neighbour’s to get a better shot of the historic moment Trevor Noah walked through the SIBF 2021 doors.
Trevor credits his mother for his global stardom at SIBF 2021
“In life there are two factors that’ll determine where you end up. One is how hard you work, and the other is your luck”, he said while responding to Fade’s query about whether the Daily Show’s host could’ve predicted his remarkable journey of success, one that he recounts in his book, New Memoir.
“Luck is something I have no control over, yet cannot discount”, added Noah, saying his mother taught him that these blessings are not promised to anyone.
Trevor credits his mother for his global stardom at SIBF 2021
When asked how many people had read Trevor’s book, the response from the crowd was tremendous. Sharing unique insights into his marvellous journey to the top, the best-selling author said that he hoped for the movie on his book did “just as well”.
In an answer to another question about whether his friends actually knew where Noah came from before reading New Memoir, he said: “A lot of people asked me ‘why did you write the book, or how did you write the book?’, adding “my friends are the reason why I wrote it because they wanted me to put my stories – the ones I would share live with my audiences during my travels around the world – in a book”.
The process of writing, Trevor admitted wasn’t easy. Trevor has lent his unique storytelling voice to the audiobook version of New Memoir which has earned global appreciation and acclaim.
Despite the fact that an in-depth account of Noah’s childhood is presented in his memoir, the author said to the audience’s surprise that he never journaled. How did he manage such a descriptive narrative then? “I’ve been blessed and cursed with a very good memory, which means that I can remember most of the things that happened to me in my life.”, said Noah.
Noah’s mother was integral to his book-writing journey who helped him fact check and remember things properly when the author was unsure.
Trevor credits his mother for his global stardom at SIBF 2021
Trevor described his book as a “tribute to his mother”, and went on to say, “I am lucky to be my mother’s son. I didn’t get to choose who she would be, I didn’t ‘work hard’ to get my mother”, he said throwing an air quote. “And yet, she is the reason I got everything I did in life”, Noah continued, adding “she was the person who worked the hardest to get me here; she was the person who made me love books in the first place”.
Talking about how he did not always get the toys or clothes he wanted as a child because his mum could not afford them, the Daily Show’s host proudly said: “She always made sure that we had books”.
Reading all those books that his mother brought home from book clubs or garage sales as buying them wouldn’t always be possible, would take Noah “to a different world”.
Kris, a father of two young daughters said he struggled to get them off their screens. “What do we do?”, he inquired Noah, which turned the conversation towards the topic of social media.
Noah advised setting a restricted period of screen time as a reward for children when they’ve completed a certain number of hours of reading. “If you give children the right books, they will be fighting you to read”, he added echoing the message of the SIBF 2021 theme ‘There’s always a right book’.
“If we are lucky, we have about 4,000 weeks to spend on this earth. So, it’s time to stop living on autopilot,” was the last word of advice by the young man as he concluded an electrifying conversation with his SIBF 2021 audience, encouraging them to write their story even if they never publish it as, according to Noah, it is one of the best ways to express oneself and also tackle with and put a rest to unresolved emotions from the past.
Trevor credits his mother for his global stardom at SIBF 2021
Trevor credits his mother for his global stardom at SIBF 2021
Trevor credits his mother for his global stardom at SIBF 2021
Trevor credits his mother for his global stardom at SIBF 2021
Dr. Aman Puri inaugurated a group art exhibition & walk art show “Indradhanush” – on the theme of Tolerance on November 11, 2021 at the Indian Consulate Auditorium…reports Asian Lite News
Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt. of India, Shri Ramdas Bandu Athawale and Consul General of India in Dubai, Dr. Aman Puri inaugurated a group art exhibition & walk art show “Indradhanush” – on the theme of Tolerance on November 11, 2021 at the Indian Consulate Auditorium. The Consulate General of India, Dubai in association with the Paint brush Art Community organized this exhibition.
Dubai hosts exhibition Indradhanush
Consul General congratulated all the participating artists for putting forward a vibrant art exhibition under the broad theme of tolerance. He said, “It is gratifying to see that through their arts, these 48 artists of various nationalities have contributed in projecting a message of coexistence and integration”.
MS. SONAL PUROHIT, PRESIDENT, PAINT BRUSH ART COMMUNITY AND CURATOR OF THE EXHIBITION: “The art pieces created by artists from around the world signifies diversity across the globe and inclusivity on the campus”. Few children also participated in the art exhibition. The event also showcased “clothespin” designed sculptors from Zygo Art Gallery in a unique way.
One of the key highlight of the event was the participation of Indian workers who showcased hand painted t-shirts by the artists and received astounding applause from the audience.
The event was attended by HE Mr. Ahmed Abdelrahman Mohamed Ali, Acting Consul General of the Republic of the Sudan in Dubai, Shri Dhiraj Srivastava, Commissioner Rajasthan Foundation, Govt. of Rajasthan, Shri Dinesh Kothari – Founder Delhi Private School, S. Harmeek Singh – CEO Plan B Group, Ms. Ruby Sajan – Danube Group, Mr. Azhar Sajan – CEO Casa Milano, Mr. Jacob C. Founder of Zygo Art, Mr. Gregor Cameron SPEA Representative and other art lovers in the UAE.
Chetan Bhagat: Overnight success is nothing but 20 years of hard work
Bestselling novelist leads the global launch of his latest work, 400 Days, at 40th Sharjah International Book Fair …reports Asian Lite News
Overnight success is nothing but 20 years of hard work, underlined Chetan Bhagat, bestselling author the of2 States and Five Point Someone in a freewheeling conversation with journalist, Nasreen Abdulla, at the 40th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2021), which runs its course at Expo Centre Sharjah until November 13.
Chetan Bhagat: Overnight success is nothing but 20 years of hard work
The Indian author, who was at SIBF 2021 for the global launch of his new book, 400 Days, was all praise for the fair, calling it “a five-star event which is free and open to all.” Holding a fully physical event of this stature as the world emerges out of the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic, showed that “the human spirit will evolve. That is what books and writers are about,” said Bhagat, a columnist, screenplay writer, motivational speaker and of late, a stand-up comedian, who has been seen on the SIBF platform frequently over the past few years.
Penned during the lockdown in India, 400 Days is inspired by the real-life story of a mother’s search for her missing 12-year-old daughter, and how, with the help of a young neighbour, she continues her search long after the police have given up.
Discussing the book, the author warned parents about the danger of letting children talk to strangers on social media, advising them to remain emotionally connected with their children. “If a child is talking to a stranger more than you, that’s a sign that trouble is brewing,” said the prolific writer who admitted that 400 Days was his most challenging work as he had to strike a balance between humour and emotions and immerse himself into the mental state of the mother of a missing child.
CHETAN BHAGAT, INDIAN AUTHOR: “Being at the right place at the right time” and releasing his first novel before the age of smartphones are what helped his books become bestsellers, said Bhagat. He added: “Reading a book changes your personality; it builds your imagination, and the content stays in your memory. Memes and social media posts rarely touch you the way a book can.”
“It is not that simple to be simple,” quipped the writer who is often criticised for his use of easy-to-read vocabulary. “Like the crazy number of spices that go into Indian cooking, my books have a mix of everything from mystery to romance. I make the Indian buffet.”
Bhagat, whose four novels have been adapted for the screen, said: “Writing a book is like preparing a six-course meal while writing a screenplay is more like preparing chaat (an easy to prepare Indian fast food that blends numerous spices). Writing a book is also quite a lonely experience.”
Members of the World Book Capital Cities Network convene at the House of Wisdom to discuss strategies to build on their legacy and inspire others…reports Asian Lite News
Sharjah, the 2019 UNESCO World Book Capital, has hosted representatives from most of the UNESCO-designated World Book Capital cities to reflect on their individual stories and discuss strategies to strengthen their legacy while sharing their experiences with future holders of the status.
Sharjah hosts 16 UNESCO World Book Capitals
At the preliminary meeting of the Expert Group of the World Book Capital Cities Network, the emirate hosted 16 World Book Capital cities including Guadalajara, the 2022 World Book Capital, at the House of Wisdom – a futurist cultural hub built to commemorate the UNESCO honour to Sharjah.
Discussions centered on the network’s mission and strategic objectives, that is, to strengthen cooperation and develop knowledge sharing and good practices among members of the network, as well as strengthen the cities’ commitment to promoting books and reading particularly in the wake of the global pandemic, which hit the book sector severely. This network, alongside the Cities for Literature (part of the Creative Cities Network) highlights UNESCO’s commitment to authors’ creativity, books and reading.
Sharjah hosts 16 UNESCO World Book Capitals
Welcoming the guests, IPA President Bodour Al Qasimi, stated that the 2019 title had not only reinforced the emirate’s status as a regional cultural hub, but positively impacted the development of its book industry and reading culture.
She added that the power and beauty of being a WBC city is that such positive benefits last for years to come and offer a chance to reinforce social cohesion through books, and promote cultural dialogue.
Expressing her pleasure in hosting the first meeting of the World Book Capital Network, Al Qasimi called on all previous WBC cities to collaborate and stay connected to improve the impact of the prestigious title and enhance the positive benefits it brings to the industry.
Sharjah hosts 16 UNESCO World Book Capitals
“A strong network that builds on the momentum of the WBC honor will benefit cities and future generations through the exchange of ideas on the legacy of the title,” Al Qasimi added.
IAN DENISON, WBC PROGRAMME COORDINATOR: “Strong motivation exists amongst the World Book Capital cities to show solidarity with other cities wishing to rise to the challenge of becoming a UNESCO-designated city. Cooperation within the new network will help provide other cities with access to sources of knowledge and best practices.”
Alongside the networking event, an open design exhibition organised at the House of Wisdom drew further attention to the unique footprints and literary legacies of the 22 WBC cities. An installation featuring a cloud of pages cascading down in different languages was a main highlight, along with large panels depicting the achievements of the former WBC cities, including Sharjah. The installation stood as a strong symbol of knowledge and ideas and the impact of the written word in forging cultural connections.
IPA hosted its 125th anniversary celebrations on the sidelines of the networking event.
Earlier in September, the Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, named Accra (Ghana) as UNESCO World Book Capital for 2023, for its strong focus on young people and their potential to contribute to the culture and wealth of Ghana.
Since 2001, the UNESCO World Book Capital’s Advisory Panel, which comprises representatives from the International Authors Forum, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, the International Publishers Association and UNESCO, has been selecting a World Book Capital every year, where the title is awarded to the city, which shows continued excellence in charting a cultural programme of activities throughout the year to promote reading and books focusing on grassroot community involvement.
