#UNESCO #UAE #Sharjah #Sheikh Sultan #Arabic Dictionary

Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Honored by UNESCO

Recently, UNESCO acknowledged the significant contributions of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, a member of the Supreme Council and the Ruler of Sharjah, at a special ceremony held in Paris. This recognition came as a result of the completion of the groundbreaking Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, which serves as a vital resource for the Arabic-speaking world.

The award ceremony, entitled "Arabic Language: A Bridge Between Heritage and Knowledge," was attended by illustrious guests, including Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, along with Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who chairs the Sharjah Book Authority.

Upon arrival at the UNESCO headquarters, Sheikh Dr. Sultan was met with a warm welcome from key figures, including Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, and other representatives from the UAE, who celebrated this monumental achievement. During his address, Sheikh Sultan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate such an important cultural milestone. He highlighted the dictionary as a collective accomplishment, emphasizing the vital link between language, culture, and identity.

Honoring Arabic's Rich Heritage

Sheikh Dr. Sultan articulated his appreciation for the Arabic language's deep-rooted civilizational impact. He stated, "Language, in all its forms, undeniably serves as the main repository of culture and the most authentic reflection of a community's identity." His words underscore the importance of preserving linguistic heritage as a means of ensuring diverse expressions of culture.

He also pointed out that every language holds a right to evolve and flourish, reinforcing the idea that cultural justice is essential to human civilization. This philosophy drives the mission behind the historical dictionary, which aims to restore Arabic's rightful historical context while promoting understanding and respect among different languages and cultures.

UNESCO’s Recognition

In her welcoming speech, Audrey Azoulay praised the emirate of Sharjah for its dedication to cultural and knowledge investments that align well with UNESCO's goals. She acknowledged Sharjah's effort to create a vibrant cultural landscape through various events and exhibitions, further cementing its reputation as a global cultural hub.

Azoulay also commended the successful completion of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, a collaborative effort involving researchers from twenty linguistic institutions across the Arab world. This dictionary has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest historical dictionary, an achievement that highlights both the ambition and the unyielding dedication of the Sharjah team.

The Significance of Cultural Collaboration

As the event concluded, Sheikh Dr. Sultan signed a copy of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language and presented it to UNESCO as a token of appreciation for their ongoing partnership. This symbolic gesture not only marks a celebratory moment in the recognition of Arabic language and literature but also strengthens the collaboration between Sharjah and UNESCO.

Sheikh Sultan's call for cultural unity and dialogue resonates as we move forward in ensuring that every culture’s voice is valued and that the world's cultural heritage is continually preserved for future generations.

This prestigious accolade not only emphasizes the importance of the Arabic language but also showcases the ongoing commitment of the UAE to cultural development and education. It shines a light on the role of language in bridging divides, fostering understanding, and preserving the rich tapestry of human civilization.