Culture minister inaugurates third Children’s Books Designer initiative

In the presence of HE the Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani, the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum, in co-operation with the Children’s Literature Centre and Expo Qatar 2023, inaugurated Saturday the third edition of the Children’s Books Designer initiative on the sidelines of the 32nd Doha International Book Fair (DIBF).The inauguration ceremony was held on the main stage of DIBF and attended by children who have participated in the initiative and their parents.The ceremony saw the children display the books they had designed in the first and second editions of the initiative. The books highlighted the children’s creativity in the field of writing and book designing.In addition, the books that were presented displayed a remarkable diversity in the titles and contents they dealt with. The children authors mentioned that their books are available in the Reading Square pavilion located in the Children's Oasis at DIBF, for those who wish to purchase them.HE the Minister of Culture expressed happiness at the launch of the third edition of the Children's Books Designer initiative. He also expressed pride in the young authors and designers, and stressed the importance of this initiative in promoting culture and reading among children.Further, he praised the dedicated efforts made by the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum, the Children's Literature Centre and the authorities supervising and promoting the initiative, encouraging creative talents and instilling the values of writing and design among children.The director of the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum, Riyad Ahmed Saleh, said the forum seeks to develop a strategic plan to enhance the access of books designed for children to the largest segment of children in society, by displaying these copies in Qatari publishing houses.He also praised the role of the participating entities, saying: "Our efforts at the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum and the Children’s Literature Centre reflect our desire to provide distinguished and high-quality books for children, which contribute to encouraging them to read and develop their mental and creative abilities."Asmaa al-Kuwari expressed happiness at the children’s achievement in the field of designing and writing books, saying: "The first and second editions of the children’s book designer were the beginning of more creative and distinguished editions for our talented children.”It is expected that the third edition of the Children's Books Designer initiative will make significant contributions to creating a generation capable of writing, designing and promoting diversity in the contents of books and provide an inspirational model for children in society, stimulate their imagination and develop their love of reading on the one hand. On the other, the launch of the third edition of Children's Books Designer reflects the Ministry of Culture's commitment to developing cultural awareness among children, and creating an environment conducive to cognitive excellence and creative expression through its continuous support for authors, publishers and distributors in Qatar.