Sharjah: Lebanese intellectual and academic Dr Ghassan Salame was named Cultural Personality of the Year of Sharjah International Book Fair’s (SIBF) 35th edition.
Dr Salame, who is a former Lebanese minister of culture (2000-2003), will be recognised during the fair, which will take place from November 2 to 12 at Expo Centre Sharjah.
Ahmad Bin Rakkad Ameri, chairman of Sharjah Book Authourity, said, “Our selection of Dr Salame was based on his long and distinguished career, his invaluable contribution to the Arab cultural scene and his concern for all issues relating to the Arab world.”
The SIBF’s recognition pays tribute to intellectual figures in the Arab world and celebrates their achievements that inspire future generations.
Dr Salame is highly regarded for his significant achievements in the history of the region over the past five decades.
An internationally recognised and influential personality, he was appointed political adviser to the UN Mission in Iraq, served as senior adviser at the United Nations and taught political science at the University of Paris.
As for his literary work, Dr Salame has authored numerous books and essays in Arabic and French.
He is the author of ‘State and Society in the Arab Levant’. His other works include ‘Towards a New Arab Social: A Study in Constitutional Legitimacy’, ‘From Confusion to Action: Global Transformations and Arab Effects’ and ‘America and the World: Temptation of Power and Its Range.’
In addition, he has a number of articles published in international affairs journals
Dr Salame is also the chairman of the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture, dean of the Paris Institute for International Affairs and professor of International Relations at the Institute of Political Science in Paris and at the University of Colombia in New York.
When he was nominated to be Unesco secretary-general, Salame received significant support from cultural and political figures in Lebanon and the wider Arab world.
Dr Salame was born in Beirut in 1951. He studied law at the St Joseph University and earned his PhD in political science and another PhD in literature from the University of Paris.
