Sharjah24: The directors general of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, and of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Daren Tang, will open the Symposium which will present the findings of a series of InSPIRe workshops involving publishing houses, distributors, authors, educators, bookfairs, reading, literacy and free expression advocates, during an international online symposium.

These workshops built on the initial findings of a survey of InSPIRe charter signatories which was published at Frankfurt Book Fair in 2021 as the InSPIRe report. The workshops dissected the challenges, opportunities, and partnership prospects in the five areas named by InSPIRe consultees as priorities: copyright, freedom to publish, sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and technology and innovation. The workshops were a unique discussion platform for a cross-section of professionals from the wider publishing space to bring their perspectives, experiences, and ideas. 

In closing the Symposium, IPA Secretary General José Borghino will lead a discussion about the findings with John Degen, Executive Director of the Writers’ Union of Canada and Chair of the International Authors Forum (IAF); Andre Breedt, Managing Director of Nielsen Book; and Jean-Luc Treutenaere, Co-President of the European and International Booksellers Federation (EIBF). 

IPA President, Bodour Al Qasimi, said ‘I am extremely proud of the International Publishers Association’s stewardship in convening such a distinguished group of stakeholders to codevelop a more sustainable resilient global publishing industry. This is one of the first times that I can remember that the industry has been able to establish a global, multi-stakeholder discussion on the future of publishing. Despite sometimes opposing industry interests, the International Publishers Association stepped up at one of the most critical times for our industry to set aside differences and challenge siloed thinking. We need to build on this solidarity to future proof publishing.’