Under the patronage of Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and the directives of Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the United Arab Emirates will host the 42nd International Congress of the International Board on Books for Young People in 2030 in the Emirate of Sharjah under the theme “Stories That Change the World”.
The event is expected to bring together more than 1,000 experts, publishers, and academics from over 80 countries, marking the first time the congress will be held in the Arab world.
Held biennially, the IBBY International Congress convenes national sections along with professionals focused on expanding access to books for children and young people. It serves as a platform for professional exchange, with a programme that includes panel discussions, seminars, workshops, exhibitions, and cultural events. The congress will also feature the announcement of the Hans Christian Andersen Award and the IBBY Honour List.
The announcement was made during the IBBY General Assembly, held on the sidelines of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, taking place from 13 to 16 April in Italy.
Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi said: “Hosting this congress reflects the UAE’s deep belief in the power of words to shape awareness and build individuals. Stories are not merely a source of knowledge; they are a powerful tool to inspire generations and promote values of empathy and openness. The congress provides a platform to highlight the UAE’s experience in supporting children’s literature and advancing the publishing sector, while reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a global cultural hub. We look forward to this event uniting experts and institutions from around the world to deliver impactful initiatives that open new horizons for children and affirm that stories can drive meaningful and sustainable change in societies”.
The selection of the UAE highlights its cultural infrastructure, which includes book fairs, festivals, libraries, translation initiatives, and programmes aimed at promoting reading across age groups. The hosting also reflects international recognition of the country’s capacity to organise global cultural events and contribute to the development of children’s and young adult literature.
The congress programme is expected to cover topics such as creative content development, translation quality, and the role of libraries and educational institutions in encouraging reading. It will also address book design, accessibility, and the use of literature in supporting environmental and social awareness, including bibliotherapy.
Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi said: “The UAE’s hosting of this congress reflects its commitment to culture as a bridge for communication between people and a platform for dialogue and mutual understanding. Children’s literature represents a shared space where values and experiences intersect, fostering the development of more culturally aware generations. It also strengthens the region’s presence on the global cultural stage and expands opportunities for collaboration with international partners in advancing the publishing industry, further consolidating the UAE’s position as a nurturing environment for impactful cultural initiatives that broaden the horizons of future generations”.
The hosting also recognises the work of the UAE Board on Books for Young People in supporting children’s literature and strengthening engagement across national sections, particularly in Arab countries. The congress is expected to support partnerships and knowledge exchange between regional and international stakeholders.
Founded in 1953 and headquartered in Switzerland, IBBY operates across more than 80 countries, promoting reading and supporting children’s literature through programmes that encourage access to books and collaboration across the sector.
Established in 2010, UAEBBY leads initiatives to advance Arabic children’s literature through training programmes, awards, and projects supporting publishers, authors, and illustrators.
Sharjah joins previous host cities including Trieste (2024), Putrajaya (2022), Moscow (2021), Athens (2018), Auckland (2016), Mexico City (2014), and London (2012). The 40th edition will take place in Ottawa from 6 to 9 August 2026, followed by the 41st edition in Barcelona from 29 September to 1 October 2028.
