Sharjah Strengthens Global Publishing Landscape as Host of International Publishers Congress 2028
Sharjah will host the International Publishers Congress (IPC) 2028, a significant event in the publishing industry, scheduled for October 2028. This announcement was made during the official handover ceremony at the IPA 2026 Gala Dinner, part of the 35th International Publishers Congress held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from July 5 to July 9, 2026. The theme for the upcoming congress is “Inclusion. Innovation. Integrity.”
Key Developments in the Handover Ceremony
The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) will collaborate closely with the International Publishers Association (IPA) to organize the Congress. The handover occurred after the IPA Awards Ceremony, where representatives from Kuala Lumpur officially designated Sharjah as the next host city. H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the EPA, accepted the honor on behalf of Sharjah, welcoming the global publishing community to the UAE.
H.H. Sheikha Bodour emphasized that hosting the IPC 2028 reflects the confidence the global publishing community has in Sharjah and the UAE as a hub for dialogue, collaboration, and the free exchange of ideas. She expressed anticipation for a Congress that would strengthen international partnerships and explore future opportunities in publishing.
Significance of the International Publishers Congress
The IPC, held biennially by the IPA, serves as the foremost international forum for the publishing industry. It brings together publishers, authors, booksellers, rights professionals, policymakers, and technology leaders to share ideas, address challenges, and explore opportunities shaping the future of publishing. IPA President Gvantsa Jobava expressed excitement about the upcoming Congress in Sharjah, highlighting the importance of copyright and the freedom to publish.
Sharjah’s selection as the host city underscores the international publishing community’s trust in the emirate’s growing role as a global convener for the industry. The emirate has developed a comprehensive publishing ecosystem that supports all stages of the publishing value chain, from authorship to rights trading and professional development.
Opportunities for the Publishing Sector
Hosting the IPC 2028 marks a significant milestone in Sharjah’s global publishing journey and reinforces the UAE’s position as a destination for cultural dialogue and knowledge exchange. The Congress is expected to create new opportunities in rights trading, translation, and publishing services, further strengthening the UAE’s role in the global knowledge economy.
Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the EPA, noted that hosting the Congress represents a defining moment for the UAE’s publishing sector. He highlighted the exceptional opportunities it would provide Emirati publishers to engage with international peers, enhance rights exchange, and showcase the UAE’s vibrant publishing landscape.
Thematic Focus of the 2028 Congress
The IPC 2028 will explore critical issues shaping the future of publishing in a technology-driven world. The Congress will focus on three main pillars: inclusion, innovation, and integrity.
The inclusion pillar will promote representation and accessibility in publishing, encouraging the localization of stories that reflect diverse cultures. It aims to strengthen cross-cultural understanding while ensuring that stories remain relevant to local audiences.
The innovation pillar will delve into creative and technological solutions that support sustainable publishing and emerging business models. It will explore how digital transformation and artificial intelligence can create new opportunities across the publishing value chain.
The integrity pillar will emphasize the importance of ethical standards, trust in publishing, and safeguarding intellectual property in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. This ensures that innovation aligns with the core values of the publishing profession.
Dynamic Agenda for the Congress
The Congress program will feature a robust agenda, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, and presentations addressing various industry issues. Topics will cover inclusive publishing, accessible book design, AI-powered workflows, localization strategies, sustainable practices, and ethical frameworks for artificial intelligence.
The program aligns with the IPA’s strategic priorities of promoting freedom to publish and protecting copyright. It aims to create an international platform for dialogue and cooperation within the global publishing community.
The EPA will actively support the Congress by enhancing engagement between Emirati and international publishers, fostering professional exchange, and facilitating dialogue on publishing, translation, and rights trading.
By hosting the International Publishers Congress, the UAE reaffirms its commitment to advancing publishing as a catalyst for knowledge, creativity, and sustainable development.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-07-10 16:18:00 • By the Editorial Desk
