The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) is sponsoring the 31st edition of the International Publishers Congress, which is taking place in London, UK, from April 9-12. The event, which brings together 600 publishers from around the world, is a major side-line activity of the 45th edition of the London International Book Fair, due to be held in the UK capital from April 12-14.

The Authority also announced its sponsorship of the participation of 19 Arab and Emirati publisher in coordination with the Arab Publishers Association and Emirates Publishers Association, as part of Sharjah's commitment to support publishers in the Arab World.

Representatives from across the world is meeting during the International Publishers Congress to discuss the latest developments in the publishing industry. The congress is featuring presentations by an elite group of experts and workshops on major publishing topics, including copyright law, education, how to reach readers across multimedia platforms and digital publishing.

A series of lectures and sessions is being held alongside the congress to discuss fundamental issues associated with the publishing industry, including intellectual

property rights, the challenges facing the publishing industry, piracy and other related issues.

Salim Omar Salim, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Sharjah Book Authority; said, "Our sponsorship of the participation of Arab publishers at the 31st edition of the International Publishers Congress is in keeping with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to support and develop the publishing industry in the Arab world, and to promote the value of the written word and enhance channels of communication between different cultures."

"Our keenness in sponsoring the congress stems from its importance as a platform for decision makers in local and international publishing associations to discuss publishing issues and reach influential conclusions. These will impact positively on the global publishing industry. The congress also offers an opportunity for a large number of publishers from around the world to network, share experiences and transfer expertise," Salim Omar added.

Salim Omar said that the Authority will also have a significant presence at the 45th edition of the London Book Fair. SBA is participating at the three-day book event with a stand to showcase its initiatives and events, most notably the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), The SIBF Translation Grant Fund and Sharjah Children's Reading Festival.

Established in 2014, Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) is dedicated to encouraging investment in creative industries and offering a platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas between people from different countries and cultures. It is also entrusted with emphasising the significant role of writers and their influence in spreading awareness of technological advancement and the availability of various sources of knowledge. SBA aims to attract relevant bodies and figures operating in the cultural sector in general and the publishing, printing and translation of children’s books in particular.