Leicester: 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. This marks the institution's first-ever honorary professorship, acknowledging her influential contributions to women's empowerment, child literacy, and cultural development on both regional and global scales. The honor reflects one of the highest accolades the university bestows.
According to Emirates News Agency, 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, participating in a discussion on museum studies and cultural sector research, emphasizing her commitment to advancing cross-cultural dialogue and academic collaboration.
Sheikha Bodour is a global leader in publishing and education, having led efforts to expand access to books and knowledge. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kalimat Group, which has published over 500 titles in more than 15 countries, focusing on Arabic children's literature and inclusive storytelling. As Founder and Chairperson of Kalimat Foundation, she has spearheaded literacy initiatives in 31 countries and played a significant role in the UAE's accession to the Marrakesh Treaty, which facilitates access to published works for those who are blind or print-disabled.
Her role extends beyond publishing, as she is also the Founder of the Emirates Publishers Association and the UAE Board on Books for Young People. She previously served as President of the International Publishers Association, becoming the first Arab woman and the second woman in its history to hold the post since 1896. Sheikha Bodour expressed her appreciation for the recognition, highlighting the importance of education in building cultural bridges and fostering mutual understanding.
Professor Dan Ladley commented on the university's delight in welcoming Sheikha Bodour, acknowledging her embodiment of the university's values through her commitment to education, entrepreneurship, and publishing. He noted her role as the first Arab woman president of the International Publishers Association and her work in advancing gender equity in higher education and leadership roles.
Sheikha Bodour's initiatives include the establishment of PublisHer, a global movement advocating for women's leadership in publishing, and the International Sustainable Publishing and Industry Resilience initiative, which supported the publishing sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. She chaired the committee behind Sharjah's designation as UNESCO World Book Capital 2019 and led the establishment of the House of Wisdom, a cultural center fostering knowledge and innovation.
As Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, she continues to enhance Sharjah's global standing through events like the Sharjah International Book Fair. Her advocacy extends to 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 forum on the Middle East and North Africa.
Her recognition by the University of Leicester also reflects her efforts in promoting academic excellence and equity. Since becoming President of AUS in 2023, she has championed gender equity in higher education and spearheaded initiatives like the 'Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi Chair in Women's Leadership' at AUS.
Sheikha Bodour's work encompasses entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development, supporting startups and strategic projects across various sectors. Her career blends public service, entrepreneurship, and cultural advocacy, reinforcing AUS as a center of research and inclusion while shaping global conversations on education and leadership.
