UAE to Host IBBY Children’s Literature Congress in 2030

The United Arab Emirates will host the 42nd International Congress of the International Board on Books for Young People in 2030, marking the first time the event is held in the Arab world. The congress will take place in Sharjah under the theme ‘Stories That Change the World’, and is expected to bring together more than 1,000 participants from over 80 countries.
The selection was confirmed during the organisation’s General Assembly, held on the sidelines of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy from April 13th to 16th. The programme will cover key areas in children’s and young adult literature, including content development, translation standards, the role of libraries and schools in promoting reading, and best practices in book design and accessibility. It will also explore literature’s role in addressing environmental and social issues, as well as its use in bibliotherapy.
Founded in 1953 and headquartered in Switzerland, the International Board on Books for Young People operates through national sections in more than 80 countries. Its biennial congress serves as a global platform for collaboration and professional development in children’s literature.
The UAE Board on Books for Young People, established in 2010, runs initiatives supporting Arabic children’s literature, including training programmes, awards and publishing support. Previous host cities for the congress include Trieste, Putrajaya, Moscow, Athens, Auckland, Mexico City and London, with upcoming editions scheduled for Ottawa in 2026 and Barcelona in 2028.