The 16th Sharjah Publishers Conference, held from November 1-3, 2023, attracted 1,888 publishers from 126 countries, leading to approximately 7,980 rights meetings. The event, organized by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), has become a key event in the global publishing calendar alongside the city's international book fair, now in its 45th year.
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Notable attendees included Sanyu Dillon from Random House Publishing Group and Ian Chapman, former CEO of Simon & Schuster U.K. The conference notably featured a diverse representation from various regions, including nearly 60 publishers from sub-Saharan Africa and companies from countries like Azerbaijan, Armenia, Peru, and Cyprus.
A focus on soft power further characterizes Sharjah's approach, particularly under the leadership of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, who has a longstanding interest in Africa. His efforts date back to a symposium on Arab-African relations in 1976. The Sharjah Africa Institute, led by his daughter, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, aims to promote Afro-Arab cultural exchange.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, also involved with the SBA, has advocated for Africa's book industry, emphasizing unity among publishers in the global south. The conference has become a significant meeting place for Francophone African publishers, with 28 representatives attending this year, including newcomers from Côte d'Ivoire and Rwanda.
Publishers like Mawuse Heka from Togo, who founded Éditions Awoudy, expressed the importance of the conference in expanding networking opportunities. Similarly, Yasmîn Issaka-Coubageat from Éditions Graines de Pensées highlighted the significance of producing high-quality literature for young Africans.
Beyond African Publishing, Arabic-language publishers participated prominently. The Omani delegation was featured as the guest of honor, showcasing manuscripts from the 11th and 14th centuries. Ahmed Al Rawahi from Oman’s Muscat International Book Fair discussed Oman’s efforts to enhance its cultural reach through publishing.
The Indian presence at the fair was substantial, particularly from Kerala, where publishers like DC Books, founded by Govind Deecee, demonstrated the region's literary engagement. The Hall Seven at the fair has become a hub for Indian literature, illustrating a growing narrative of Keralan authors based in the Emirates.
In summary, the conference has become a vital forum for global publishing, evident in its diverse participants and the emphasis on cultural exchange, particularly with a spotlight on underrepresented regions. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi noted the importance of balancing innovation with preserving the essence of publishing.